Verstappen: There are three or four drivers as good as Hamilton

The Red Bull driver has emerged as the heir apparent to the Mercedes driver's reign and while highly respectful of Hamilton, the Dutchman cited good timing for the success that the Briton has achieved.

In an interview with Motorsport Magazine, Verstappen said, "I’m not purely focused on Lewis. There are other great drivers in the paddock who can achieve similar things. Looking at the current grid, I think there are three or four drivers with the same capabilities."

“It’s car-dependent. I don’t think he’s had the pressure of a team-mate over the years. He should really have won it in 2016 as well if it wasn’t for engine failure…

"But after the summer break there were a few poor starts and stuff where he lost first place. But he never really had big pressure from his team-mates.”

While rumours bubbled in the background that Mercedes were considering a swoop on the Dutchman if certain performance clauses were not met by Red Bull, but tose were packed for later after two victories and a second-place in recent races with the Blues and their Honda power gamble that appears to be paying off.

Meanwhile young Verstappen's father Jos Verstappen believes that his son has Hamilton rattled, which only adds powder to a keg they are inadvertently, or not, helping light during this summer break slumber.

https://www.grandprix247.com/2019/08/13/jos-verstappen-hamilton-is-rattled-by-max/