close global

Welcome to GPFans

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

  • NL
  • GB
  • IT
  • ES-MX
  • US
  • GB

Are you a F1 Fan? Follow GP Fans

Edition

NL GB IT ES-MX US
verstappen, hamilton, russell, spain, 2023

Verstappen makes BIG claim over F1 rivals' future

verstappen, hamilton, russell, spain, 2023 — Photo: © LAT Images

Verstappen makes BIG claim over F1 rivals' future

Max Verstappen is well on the way to claiming his third world championship in as many years after just seven F1 races this season

Matthew Hobkinson
Lead Editor
F1 Editor & Journalist

Max Verstappen has claimed that it would be “amazing” if Lewis Hamilton and George Russell were challenging him for the Formula 1 world championship this season, as the Red Bull driver looks for more competition within the sport.

Verstappen has claimed victory in five of the seven races this season, finishing second on both occasions when Sergio Perez managed to prevent him from winning.

The RB19 has been a rocket on track this season and Verstappen has been in a class of his own since lights out in Bahrain at the start of the championship.

READ MORE: Horner fires SAVAGE response over Mercedes pace after Spanish Grand Prix

For most, strolling towards a third title in as many seasons would be a good thing. However, Verstappen believes that both he and the sport need the likes of Hamilton and Russell to push him and Red Bull further up the field.

“Yeah, I think it's great for the sport in general, right, if you have more teams fighting upfront,” the two-time world champion said after the race on Sunday.

Since Max Verstappen denied Lewis Hamilton an eighth world championship in 2021, the Dutchman has been dominant in the sport
Since Max Verstappen denied Lewis Hamilton an eighth world championship in 2021, the Dutchman has been dominant in the sport

“That's, I think, what they want to achieve. So honestly that would be amazing, to have more drivers really up there, and hopefully throughout the year it will already get closer and maybe next year there are more teams really up there.”

Verstappen currently holds a 53-point lead over second-place Perez in the drivers’ standings, while Red Bull sit 135-points clear of Mercedes in the constructors’ championship heading into the Canadian Grand Prix.

READ MORE: Alonso takes aim at Hamilton with SALTY Verstappen claim

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Marshal reacts after being SLAPPED by angry racer following crash

Marshal reacts after being SLAPPED by angry racer following crash

  • Yesterday 22:55
Former F1 boss admits 'beating themselves' up over trying to save team

Former F1 boss admits 'beating themselves' up over trying to save team

  • Yesterday 21:57
Lewis Hamilton admits 'relentless' pursuit of change left Ferrari shaken

Lewis Hamilton admits 'relentless' pursuit of change left Ferrari shaken

  • Yesterday 20:53
Red Bull and Honda F1 partnership kept alive thanks to odd contract clause

Red Bull and Honda F1 partnership kept alive thanks to odd contract clause

  • Yesterday 19:52
George Russell issues emotional Toto Wolff statement amid Mercedes struggles

George Russell issues emotional Toto Wolff statement amid Mercedes struggles

  • Yesterday 18:58
Honda chief reveals Aston Martin 'not satisfied' as engine giants call for more time

Honda chief reveals Aston Martin 'not satisfied' as engine giants call for more time

  • Yesterday 17:57

Just in

22-6
Marshal reacts after being SLAPPED by angry racer following crash
22-6
Former F1 boss admits 'beating themselves' up over trying to save team
22-6
Lewis Hamilton admits 'relentless' pursuit of change left Ferrari shaken
22-6
Red Bull and Honda F1 partnership kept alive thanks to odd contract clause
22-6
George Russell issues emotional Toto Wolff statement amid Mercedes struggles
F1 news

Recommended by the editors

Lewis Hamilton admits 'relentless' pursuit of change left Ferrari shaken Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton admits 'relentless' pursuit of change left Ferrari shaken

Yesterday 20:53
Red Bull and Honda F1 partnership kept alive thanks to odd contract clause Latest F1 News

Red Bull and Honda F1 partnership kept alive thanks to odd contract clause

Yesterday 19:52
F1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton suffers title blow as George Russell reveals injury incident F1 News Today

F1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton suffers title blow as George Russell reveals injury incident

Yesterday 16:12
Honda chief opens up on Aston Martin partnership and why 2026 has been a major struggle Aston Martin

Honda chief opens up on Aston Martin partnership and why 2026 has been a major struggle

Yesterday 09:55
Ontdek het op Google Play
x