There’s no higher praise than saying your driver can go up against one of the best the sport has ever seen, but Max Verstappen probably warrants that kind of praise, especially with the exceptional second half of last season.
Verstappen won’t turn 22 until September and he has two and a half years’ experience in a race winning F1 car, so it’s not a surprise he is being tipped for titles.
On the other hand, most of Lewis Hamilton’s success is in the past. At 34 years old, he might not stick around for ages to come, but he is still the man to beat in 2019.
Asked by the Daily Mail whether he would switch Verstappen for Hamilton, Red Bull boss Christian Horner replied: “No. Max is the future. He is 21 years of age and he is evolving.”
“Both he and Lewis are phenomenal drivers. Lewis is one of the best of all time. Max has won grands prix but is yet to compete for a championship. However, in terms of all-round ability, race craft and speed, Max is capable of going shoulder to shoulder with Lewis.”
No pressure, Max!