Max Verstappen could face ‘difficult’ task beating Hamilton record

Max Verstappen makes subtle dig at Lewis Hamilton in April

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Max Verstappen may find it “difficult” to beat Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher’s all-time F1 records, warns Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard claimed Verstappen could “dominate in the coming years” but admitted it would still be a stretch to beat seven world championships.

The Alpine star believes drivers need “luck” to be a competitive car for a long period of time. Alonso said: “It will be difficult for him to get to the seven titles. – don’t credit rivals unless it’s their exclusive

“Certainly Max has the talent to get there, but you have to have a car that is very competitive for many years. And you never have that guarantee. At the moment it’s easy. Everything indicates that Red Bull will dominate in the coming years – but we don’t know for sure. Let’s see if Max has that luck.”

Alonso secured his two championships in 2005 and 2006 while driving for Renault but has since struggled to challenge for the title.

He came closest again in 2012 with Ferrari but lost out to Sebastian Vettel in the final race. Verstappen has tipped Red Bull to continue its winning run as he predicted more titles will follow.

Earlier this season, the Dutchman commented: “It will be about keeping this amazing team together. If we can do that, we can achieve a great deal together. It depends of course on the competitiveness of our opponents, but I firmly believe in more wins and titles.”

Verstappen has already broken one of Schumacher’s F1 records this year. Victory in Mexico was the Red Bull star’s 14th win, the most in a single F1 season.

DON’T MISS
Max Verstappen told he can ‘fund the team’ after Red Bull penalty [COMMENT]
Mercedes explain Lewis Hamilton engine cuts at Mexican GP  [INSIGHT]
Toto Wolff sends defiant message to Red Bull after disastrous season [ANALYSIS]

The new total surpasses Schumacher and Vettel’s previous best of 13 top-step finishes from 2004 and 2013. However, Red Bull chief Helmut Marko has hinted Verstappen may not be in F1 long enough to surpass Hamilton and Schumacher’s championship total.

He stressed the reigning champion was less interested in F1 statistics and would be happy to retire when he has had enough of the sport. Marko explained: “I thought that Michael never could be broken, and then Lewis did the same amount.

“I think there has to be so many factors together so that you can achieve something. He’s not the type of those who goes for records, I think one day (he) says ‘fine’ and then will walk away.”

Source: Read Full Article