Hamilton 'only concerned' with Verstappen

Dutch driver Tom Coronel believes that Max Verstappen represents the only “concern” for Lewis Hamilton this season, and has backed his compatriot to go all-out for championship glory in 2020.

Hamilton has been the dominant force this campaign as he has won eight out of the opening 12 races, with Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas winning two races each. Verstappen’s form took an upturn in the races before the summer break, and Coronel thinks if he can keep it up then he could represent the only championship threat to Hamilton.

"Max and Red Bull are in a good flow and Max will do everything he can to show that the title belongs to him in 2020," the Coronel said to Motorsport.com.

Verstappen names four drivers to rival him in the futureRead more

"You already notice that Max is busy with that fight in the background and that also goes for Lewis. He also knows that Max is the only one who can handle him at the moment and he is only concerned with Max.

“If Verstappen can exploit that even more, then you put the pressure on the boiler at Mercedes and Hamilton for 2020."

However, Coronel reckons that a 2020 title assault for Verstappen is dependant on the engine package he receives from Red Bull and Honda.

"I can't see what they are doing at Mercedes, Red Bull and Honda, but you can tell by everything that they smell that chance of a title, and if you can smell it then you also want to reach them,” he added.

“The positive atmosphere comes in and that is all very good. However, it must also happen."

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

McLaren chief claims Mercedes customer deal is toughest it has ever been

• 49 minutes ago

Max Verstappen hit by FIA bombshell which leaves Red Bull exposed

• 2 hours ago

Monaco Grand Prix result could be changed as FIA confirm official hearing

• 2 hours ago

Car giant linked with F1 entry and Christian Horner move is blacklisted by The Pentagon

• 3 hours ago

F1 News Today: Christian Horner excited about new job as Mercedes replace Antonelli

• Today 07:15

F1 team confirm double driver change ahead of Barcelona GP

• Yesterday 22:57