Verstappen and Hamilton compared with Senna and Prost: 'Not like back then'

For the first time in years, Formula 1 has not been this exciting. Where Lewis Hamilton was the undisputed number one for years, Max Verstappen is joining the fray this season. The Dutchman is currently first and forces Hamilton to give everything this year.

Over the years in Formula 1, we have seen several drivers competing for the world title. The last battle for the championship took place between Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, at the time two teammates at Mercedes. The comparison with the battle between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost is also often made, although Jacques Villeneuve thinks that is unfair.

"If you look at Senna and Prost, then there was a lot that happened outside the car," he states in conversation with Motorsport-magazin.com. "The fight between Senna and Prost could have happened when Nico was there. When there was real enmity that is not there now. The gladiator side and resentment outside the car is not there. Let's wait and see. Senna and Prost had seven titles together, by the way."

Where Ferrari struggled quite a bit last season, the Italians showed at the Monaco Grand Prix that it has made progress. "(Charles, ed.) Leclerc can also be in the fight if the car works. It's not like it was back then. Besides, Prost and Senna were teammates," Villeneuve said.