Mercedes' psychological games: 'Verstappen is a child compared to Hamilton'

Max Verstappen is having a tough time in his first title fight according to Bernie Ecclestone. According to the former Formula One boss, Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton are playing a psychological game with the young Dutchman, which has had a major impact on the title fight this season.

Verstappen being bullied by Mercedes

In an interview with the French news agency AFP, Ecclestone offers his opinion on the way Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton are playing it out in the battle for the world championship. "Max has more than just the race to confront, because he also has Mercedes on his back. They are bullying him and not playing fair. They are playing a psychological game with him."

Ecclestone also sees Mercedes exerting influence over race management. "Mercedes are trying to undercut Max all the time. And the stewards are watching because Toto keeps going to race control," said the 91-year-old Briton.

Hamilton mentally stronger than Verstappen

Mentally, Ecclestone believes Hamilton has the upper hand over his much younger title rival. "Max is still a child compared to Lewis," he said. Experience also plays a big part in this. "Max has been competing for a few years, but he doesn't have the experience of Lewis. He has been living with the knowledge that he rules with Mercedes for years. For Max, it's the first time he's been in a car he can be world champion with."

This weekend sees the grand finale with Verstappen and Hamilton tied on the same number of World Championship points. "This has been an incredible year". Ecclestone also thinks the current title fight is very good for the sport. "I think last years people knew very well in advance who was going to win. It's good that it's different this year." As to who will win, Ecclestone is clear: "The driver with the most luck."