What can Hamilton expect from Verstappen? 'Hasn't had a real rival since 2016'

Since his arrival at Mercedes in 2013, Lewis Hamilton has only been able to expect a real fight from Nico Rosberg. Since 2017 Valtteri Bottas has been riding alongside the Brit, but the Finn has never become a real threat. Martin Brundle also recognizes that Hamilton has had it relatively easy in recent years.

"I don't think Lewis has had any real rivalry since Rosberg," explains Brundle at Sky Sports. There was some threat from Sebastian Vettel in 2017 and 2018, but Mercedes was always the constant factor that made them win. Since 2019 Red Bull Racing has found its way up the ladder, but Brundle does not expect a fight between Max Verstappen and Hamilton soon.

Hamilton always strong and dominant

"He never really had the right material. There is no one who could really put pressure on Lewis since 2016". Other teams have come close, but according to Brundle, the reliability of Hamilton and Mercedes has been the decisive factor in recent years.

"That is what has been noticed, how few mistakes he has made. How complete and safe he drives. I think that is enormously important. His working speed is also great and that's what you hear in the paddock. When you have won all that success, money and so many prizes, it's hard to maintain motivation. He does that incredibly well," Brundle concludes.