Marko: Max Verstappen “may be quicker” but Lewis Hamilton “is still better”

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing advisor Helmut Marko has said that while Max Verstappen “may be quicker” initially, Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton “is still better” when looking at the complete package of a Formula 1 driver.

Verstappen’s 2019 season was his best so far in F1, claiming wins in Austria, Germany and Brazil, while recording his first pole in Hungary, adding to that in Brazil, going on to finish third in the championship.
 
The Dutchman and Hamilton have had their moments going wheel to wheel with each other throughout the year, notably in Hungary and at Interlagos with the 22-year old showing the speed he is capable of producing.
 
"Despite the fact that Lewis Hamilton is already six times world champion, Max Verstappen is now the fastest and best driver in Formula 1,” Marko said to Motorsport.com.
 
But the Austrian believes the six-time World Champion is still the better driver throughout a race weekend, understanding what needs to be done depending on tyre conditions as well as everything else.
 
When asked whether he would choose his own driver as the best, he said: "No. Hitting the road [Max] may be quicker, but if you look at the complete package, Hamilton is still better,"
 
"He is incredibly fast and has a lot of experience. We've seen that over and over again."
 
"He isn't at the top in the first, second or third free practice, but in qualifying he is there and drives his best lap.”
 
"His racing is impressive. Take Monaco for example: he drove slowly in places where you can't overtake anyway and thus saved his tyres.

"Or look at his fastest lap in Abu Dhabi. Compared to Max, he is very experienced. That's a huge advantage.
 
"He has of course been lucky enough to have driven at the front most of the time, life is just that little bit easier there.
 
“That's exactly what we want to change next year."