Nobody can doubt the talent of Max Verstappen. The Red Bull ace burst onto the F1 scene as a feisty 17-year-old and hasn’t looked back since. It’s clear to everyone who watches the sport that Max is a brilliant racer and has the capabilities to win multiple world championships. However, to call him the best driver on the grid might still be a bit of a stretch. After all, there is a certain Lewis Hamilton still around.

Nevertheless, Red Bull’s advisor Dr. Helmut Marko reckons Verstappen is quicker than the seven-time world champion.

Following the nail-biter in Bahrain, Marko is left with no doubt in his mind that Lewis and Max are on a whole different level. And while he reckons Max to be the quicker between the two, he mentions one area in which Lewis triumphs over the Dutchman.

He said (translated by Google), “Bahrain has already shown that both are in their own league, at an absolutely top level. Nobody can answer that at the moment. I trust Max that he is faster than Hamilton on one lap, but he has something ahead of him because of his experience. His handling of the tires in particular was a lesson.”

Red Bull advisor believes Lewis Hamilton will appreciate Max Verstappen pushing his limits

With Verstappen looking especially quick in the season opener, it took something special from Lewis to keep Max at bay.

Sure Lewis had some help from Mercedes’ strategic crew and the track limit call, which interestingly didn’t upset Max as much as one would think it might. But it was still an incredible drive from Hamilton, who was forced to pull out one of his best defensive performances.

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Although it was a challenge for Lewis, Marko thinks the Briton would love to have more of the same in the remaining races.

He said, “It was just fascinating to watch their duel. I have the feeling that Hamilton is enjoying the duel extremely, because Max is forcing him to push himself to the limit.”

Fans too would certainly love to see these two go head to head in the next 22 races. With the race in Imola coming up, who do you think will emerge victorious over the other? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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