'Verstappen definitely ahead of Hamilton on pure speed'

2021 looks set to be the season that the two most high-profile drivers in Formula 1 will finally have a direct duel for the world title. If that fight was all about hard driving, Helmut Marko knows who is going to win.

"In terms of driving skill and speed, Max definitely has an edge," the Austrian told F1-insider.com. "But Lewis has more experience. So now that is still in balance. Max learns something new every race, he is still young in terms of age. Because of that, he probably makes mistakes faster, even if they become fewer and fewer."

Red Bull Racing must give Verstappen good material

However, the Grand Prix at Imola proved that even Lewis Hamilton can still make mistakes. The two were so close in speed that they were pushed to the limit. It looks like that will be the case for the rest of the season. Marko realises that the outcome of the battle is therefore largely in Red Bull's hands.

"Those two will decide the title between themselves. They are on equal footing and far ahead of everyone else. If we manage to give him a car that can keep up with the Mercedes, then Max can succeed. In any case, it will be very interesting," said the Red Bull advisor.