"People want to be there when he is defeated"

Lewis Hamilton has been the dominant force in motorsport over the last ten years meaning there's a target on his back. Bernie Ecclestone believes his dominance is good for the sport because people will want to be there when the six time champion is defeated.

Hamilton has won the last three Drivers' Championships and five of the last six putting himself amongst motosport's legends. He is targeting a record equalling seventh title in 2020.

Bernie Ecclestone believes his reign is good for the sport as it will make more of a spectacle when he's finally defeated.

"It's good that there is someone like Lewis Hamilton," Ecclestone told NOS.

"It's the same as with Muhammed Ali in boxing. People want to be there when he is defeated. I was there when he lost. That is the positive side. 

"He'll do it again, that's how I stand. Who will knock him off his throne? Not just beat him, but give him a lesson in racing? There is one driver who can and will certainly do that and that is Max Verstappen. Absolutely. There are more contenders, but he will certainly do it."