Horner expects long title battle between Max and Lewis: 'Fifty to fifty'

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen will fight for the world title together this season. Where the Brit is currently two points ahead in the world championship, Verstappen also seems to have a good chance. Christian Horner has a lot of faith in the Dutchman.

Red Bull Racing's team boss sees Verstappen making a good impression in the races. Although he started at the back of the grid at the Russian Grand Prix, he finished in second position. Despite the Austrians' strengths, Horner thinks it will still be exciting. "We still have seven races to go," he told Speedweek.com. "There will be many exciting races to come. It will probably go all the way to the final in Abu Dhabi."

Horner sees that Hamilton and Verstappen have been balancing each other all season and therefore finds it difficult to assess which driver has the advantage. The team boss is therefore keeping it in the middle. "If you look at the points standings and the upcoming races, I would say fifty to fifty."

Hamilton possibly going to change engine

It is likely that Hamilton will switch engines this season. That would mean a grid penalty for the driver, which would allow Verstappen to move up a few points on his rival.