Verstappen says there are 3 or 4 drivers as good as Hamilton
- Tom Mason
Red Bull's Max Verstappen has admitted that he feels that there are “three or four” drivers as good as Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton.
"I’m not purely focused on Lewis," said Verstappen in an interview with Motorsport Magazine.
"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."
Verstappen has the utmost respect for the World Champion, who has won 81 races in his brilliant career to date.
The Dutchman, trails Hamilton by 69 points, having won two races this season prior to the break.
"It’s car-dependent. I don’t think he’s had the pressure of a team-mate over the years," said the 21-year-old.
"He should really have won it in 2016 as well if it wasn’t for engine failure."
We're currently through the middle of a mid-season break and the racing will return in two weeks time in Belgium, where the 21-year-old will be looking to claim more victories to get closer to the Mercedes' driver.