Verstappen doesn't want Hamilton's 'easy' championships

Max Verstappen has praised the driving ability of four-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and wants to follow in his footsteps of winning titles, but doesn't want to do so in the same 'easy' fashion as the Englishman who has a powerful vehicle with Mercedes.

Twenty-year-old Verstappen is considered to be one of the most talented drivers to come through the ranks of the sport in recent years, and has three Grand Prix victories to his name already.

Many figures in the sport, including his own boss at Red Bull Christian Horner, believe he is a future world champion. Verstappen would like to start picking up titles as soon as possible, but has admitted he would gain more satisfaction from fighting for titles rather than Hamilton's 'easy' route.

"Lewis is very talented," the Dutchman insisted.

"Some people need to work up to their team-mates but he doesn't really need that. He has been one of the most consistent front-runners."

Hamilton has won the world championship four times now which puts him alongside Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari. Although considered one of the greatest drivers ever, critics have pointed to the fact that he always seems to have a superbly performing car, especially with Mercedes.

"To have a real challenge [for the title], instead of winning easy like Mercedes have been doing for a few years, that would give me more satisfaction.

"But still, like in Mexico, I also really like to dominate races."