Hakkinen: 'Two drivers capable of beating Verstappen in Brazil GP'

The Brazilian Grand Prix was one of the few Formula 1 races not won by Red Bull Racing in 2022. Given the team's current form and especially that of Max Verstappen, it looks set to be a tough task to beat the Austrian racing stable again this year. However, Mika Hakkinen sees two F1 drivers capable of getting the job done.

It is something that is actually true of every F1 race this year: Verstappen is going into the race weekend as the clear-cut favourite. In recent races, however, McLaren and Mercedes in particular, have come closer, but a win for either team has yet to materialise in 2023.

Can Hamilton or Norris beat Verstappen?

Will that change at Interlagos? "In my opinion, there are two drivers who can stop Max Verstappen from winning the Brazilian Grand Prix this weekend – Lewis Hamilton or Lando Norris," said Hakkinen in his column for Unibet.

At the same time, the two-time world champion also sees Verstappen basically "just going" for his 52nd GP victory. "Max is going for win number 17 this season but the way Lewis and Lando are driving at the moment I think it’s possible they could cause problems for Red Bull. I thought both of them drove brilliantly in Mexico, there is a real fire in their driving, and if they can continue that momentum into Interlagos anything can happen," Hakkinen said.