Ecclestone: 'Hamilton is no longer the absolute number one'

Max Verstappen has been profiling himself as the absolute favourite to win the world title this season. However, this is not entirely in his own hands. The material has to cooperate as well. And he needs a bit of luck, according to Bernie Ecclestone.

"As a top driver in Formula 1, you don't just need the best car, you always need a little bit of luck," the former Formula 1 boss told Bild."Lewis had that for many, many years. At the moment, luck is not always on his side and on the side of Mercedes. But I must also say that Red Bull is doing a great job."

Hamilton must prove himself in a difficult situation

With his victory at the Red Bull Ring last week, Verstappen summed up the shifting relationships between Mercedes and Red Bull Racing. Indeed, it was the first time in the hybrid era that Mercedes failed to win four races in a row. According to Ecclestone, this is not only due to the good car they built in Milton Keynes, but also the quality of Verstappen as a driver.

"No, I don't think he is at the moment," Bernie said when asked if Hamilton is still the absolute number one. "The top six drivers can beat Lewis and also Max if they have the right car. The difference with true champions is how someone can handle difficult situations. But you can't write off Lewis just yet. It's going to be an exciting duel between him and Verstappen."