'Hamilton needs to push his limits to even keep up with Verstappen'

The first two races of the season showed exactly what we have been hoping for; a real battle between world champion Lewis Hamilton and challenger Max Verstappen. This weekend that battle will be no different, thinks also Ralf Schumacher.

At Sky Sports Deutschland Schumacher looks ahead to the third Grand Prix of the season in Portimao. "We saw it last year that it's a difficult circuit. It's new, but it's very fast. There are many passages that you can't see at all. Therefore, there is room for a lot of mistakes. If a car doesn't work, it's obviously difficult for the driver."

Hamilton and Verstappen have each won one of the races so far this season and in the championship, the world champion is just one point ahead of the Dutchman. "It will be close again between Lewis and Max. However, I see the Mercedes almost stronger than the Red Bull at this circuit."

Hamilton can go on to secure his 100th pole position on Saturday, a unique milestone, but according to Schumacher, it is far from a done deal. He believes Hamilton will be tested again by Verstappen. "Hamilton has to go more to the limit now to even keep up with Verstappen," the former Formula One driver judges. "And when I go to the limit more, mistakes happen."

Schumacher, therefore, assumes that mistakes will be made by the favourites this weekend and that a third team could well walk away with the prizes. "I see McLaren very far ahead again. Tracks like this suit them. They were bloody strong at Imola - at least Lando Norris was."