"Lewis is going to be the best of all time"

Nico Rosberg may have only raced against Max Verstappen for two seasons but the German has been singing the praises of one of the biggest stars on the grid. Rosberg believes Verstappen is a once in a generation talent and fully expects him to challenge for the World Championship providing he has the right car.

Verstappen will be going into his fourth full season at Red Bull having stepped up midway through the 2016 season. He is the undisputed number one at the team and after an impressive 2019, he is expected to challenge for the Drivers' Championship. 

Although a lot depends on the car he has, Rosberg reckons he'll be there or there abouts.

"Verstappen is the only one comparable to the level of Hamilton in Formula 1," Rosberg told PA News Agency.

"Verstappen has that very rare and exceptional talent that Lewis also has. A 'once-per-generation talent'. And if Max has the right car, there is no doubt that he is a challenger for the championship this season.

"But you can't say that Max is a better driver than Lewis. 

Rosberg also had some words of praise for his old sparring partner, Hamilton who he expects to become the greatest of all time.

"Lewis is going to be the best of all time, so you can't say that at all." Rosberg mentions Hamilton as his favorite to win the championship, but has high hopes for an exciting season.

"I am convinced and optimistic that Red Bull Racing and Ferrari are participating in the battle and I expect a level playing field with Mercedes."