Hamilton cautious of Verstappen

Lewis Hamilton is well aware that Max Verstappen is a threat for the title but remains confident he can keep Max off the top step of the podium.

Hamilton can perhaps see his old self in Verstappen having had similar success whilst young and new to the sport.

Hamilton said: “He definitely has the potential to be a world champion as we’ve all seen that and that is why he has such a good following.

“We’ve seen the way he drives and he has great potential and is in a great team.

“He has a long time ahead of him even with a good few seasons under his belt. I still hadn’t even had my first season at 21 so he is even further ahead than me and a lot of drivers.”

As Hamilton begins to move towards the back end of his career he says: “Whilst I’m here, I am going to be doing what I can to stop him winning.

“People wont particularly love that but that is what we are here to do, we are here to battle and I am looking forward to having some really positive battles with him, hopefully this year.”