Hamilton expects battle with Verstappen again: 'Will be another big challenge'

It looks set to be another exciting battle in Portugal between Lewis Hamilton and his biggest rival Max Verstappen. According to the Brit, Red Bull Racing will be strong at Portimao.

Hamilton and Verstappen were very evenly matched in the first two races. Both managed to win one race and finish second in another. However, the Mercedes driver is one point ahead of the Dutchman, because he managed to take an extra point for the fastest lap on Imola.

In Portugal, Hamilton expects to once again battle it out with Verstappen. "I suspect Red Bull will be quite strong in Portimao, so it will be another big challenge and a good race," the Briton is quoted by the Portuguese Ojogo.

Last year Hamilton didn't start the Portuguese Grand Prix in the best way. He lost the lead in the first few laps of the race in changing conditions. Nevertheless he managed to win the Grand Prix and beat Michael Schumacher's record for most wins.

Hamilton explains how he managed to win the race: "The key to that performance in Portugal was to stay calm and not make any mistakes. I couldn't give up and had to find my rhythm. To start by taking it easy and then focus on pushing."