Max Verstappen is in the best form of his F1 career at the moment. After taking his third win this season in Le Castellet on Sunday, the Dutchman increased his lead on Lewis Hamilton in the driver’s championship to 12 points.

Despite sixteen races left in the season, it’s become clear that Verstappen and Hamilton are prime contenders to become world champions this season. Ahead of the Styrian Grand Prix, Verstappen made a bold comment about his British rival.

Max Verstappen believes there are other drivers who could be seven-time world champions

Although the Dutchman is a talented driver, his title challenge often faded in the past due to Red Bull’s reliability issues. However, Red Bull look stronger than ever this season, and Verstappen’s results are proof of their rise.

Despite Hamilton winning three races this season, Verstappen‘s consistency keeps him ahead of his more experienced rival. While their battles on track excite fans around the world, they seem to have a verbal battle going on as well. One might say that verbal battles follow a title fight in F1 year after year.

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Although Hamilton mentioned Red Bull have a quicker car after the French Grand Prix, Verstappen retorted by saying he would be quicker than Hamilton in a Mercedes car. With the two drivers going back and forth, Verstappen clarified the intensity of their verbal battle.

He said, “It was just a counter because he keeps saying the Red Bull is faster than his car, so I’m like, ‘I’m happy to swap and we’ll see the difference.’

“It’s just a bit of talk from both sides, which is fine. You have to believe in your own capabilities and I do believe I’m the fastest, but he also believes he’s the fastest.”

The Dutchman also believes there are other drivers who could be seven-time world champions like Hamilton. “There are so many good drivers out there who I think also could have won seven titles.

“I do enjoy battling Lewis but I would also enjoy battling Fernando [Alonso], Sebastian [Vettel], Charles, or Lando if they were in that car.”

WATCH STORY: Mad Max: Verstappen’s Angriest Rants on Team Radio

Verstappen: You always have to fight competition

Despite the ongoing battle, the Dutchman admits he enjoys the competition against the best drivers. He said, “You always have to just fight your competition and of course you try to be ahead of them. For me, it’s just nice to be racing against very good drivers.”

With the title fight now headed to Red Bull’s home race in Austria, Verstappen will look to extend his lead further. Can the Dutchman take his fourth win of the season in the Styrian mountains on June 27th?

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