Verstappen on Mercedes chances: "Maybe, but I hope not!"

Max Verstappen expects Red Bull Racing to be competitive again this weekend, now that the team has identified the cause of its tyre problems in Austria. Mercedes are also keen to get into the front-runner's race, but it remains to be seen whether they can do so this weekend. It is not, however, a question that concerns the championship leader.

Asked if he expects Mercedes to make things difficult for him at the French Grand Prix, Verstappen laughingly replied, "Maybe they will. I hope not!" Speaking to Sky Sports, the Dutchman further indicated that he is not concerned with other teams. "I don't pay a lot of attention to that. More important to get the best out of ourselves because that's not been as straight forward as I like," said the reigning world champion.