F1 News
Ecclestone: "Verstappen will definitely beat Hamilton"
Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes are dominant in Formula 1, but with the arrival of many young new drivers, the threat of being overtaken is increasing. Aston Martin Red Bull Racing are tipped to be strong this year. They have Max Verstappen who is hoping to become the youngest world champion ever.
Beat Hamilton
"It's good that there is someone like Lewis Hamilton," says Bernie Ecclestone in conversation with the NOS when asked whether British dominance is good for the sport.
"It's the same as with Muhammed Ali in boxing. People want to be there when he is defeated. I was there when he lost. That is the positive side. He'll do it again, that's how I stand. Who will knock him off his throne? Not just beat him, but give him a lesson in racing? There is one driver who can and will certainly do that and that is Max Verstappen. Absolutely. There are more contenders, but he will certainly do it."
Of course, it depends on the RB16 whether Verstappen and Red Bull can achieve their ambition. If the car were equivalent, then Verstappen would be at least as fast as the six-time champion. "Many people, not just Dutch people, agree that he (Verstappen) would be just as fast or faster in the same car as the current world champion."