F1 News

Lewis Hamilton thinks Verstappen would struggle with him

Hamilton: 'With me in Perez's car, things would be different for Max'

1 August 2023 at 10:41
Last update 1 August 2023 at 12:12
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  • Olly Darcy
  • Editor

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has spoken out about the gap with rival Red Bull Racing. According to the seven-time world champion, the gap is too big to fight. But if he were in Sergio Perez's car, Verstappen was in for a treat. So says the Briton in conversation with Sporza.

After a blistering title fight in 2021, Max Verstappen captured his first world title at the expense of Lewis Hamilton. A season of struggle, drama and hard racing came to an end. Since then, Max Verstappen is 25 wins away, and Hamilton is rarely on the podium. The record winner in Formula 1 does not have a race-winning car. That will not change for the time being, the Mercedes man thinks. "At the moment, it is impossible to beat the Red Bulls unless they don't finish." According to the British driver, the Red Bulls are almost a second faster per lap.

Hamilton alongside Verstappen

Verstappen is currently leading the world championship proudly as a result of the pace he has. The Dutchman has a 125-point lead over his nearest rival, teammate Sergio Perez. The championship would have been a lot more exciting if Hamilton had been in Perez's car, he says. "Of course, I want a car just as fast. If I was in Sergio's car, Max would not be having the time he is having now. But that is not the case." Nevertheless, the 103-time race winner maintains hope and confidence of one day being able to fight with his rival again.