Max Verstappen has admitted he will try to emulate Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes' approach to winning the world championship.

The Dutchman can finally stop complaining about his customer Renault engines in 2019, as Red Bull makes the switch to works Honda power.

"The engine for next year is a completely new one," he told Ziggo Sport.

"It has been on the test bench for a while but it's a bit of a wait. I think the prospects are good compared to what we had until now. It is definitely a lot better," Verstappen said.

However, Red Bull is remaining cautious, with Verstappen saying he will aim for consistency early next year when Honda may still be catching up.

"If we can just do a bit better and then do a season like Lewis just had then it is already a lot better for the championship," he said.

Verstappen says he does not feel that Hamilton is a better driver, but that the Mercedes star just has a better car.

"It is not about being ready or not ready," he insisted. "You just have to have the right material.

"Lewis was ready in his first year already, just because he had a really good car. But now he also has less pressure.

"He has a very good car and his teammate is not there anyway. When the whole team is all about you, it's a lot easier. And the better your car is, the easier it is again," said Verstappen.


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8 F1 Fan comments on “Verstappen: Hamilton teammate Bottas 'is not there'

  1. Dave Hoa

    As usual, what a load of Rubbish Verstappen is insinuating. A mature technical mind but just a hallow heart and low E.Q young man.

    Its always about him self. He loves only himself without peers or mentors to look upon. Does not or has never had a genuine kind word about any of his fellow teams racing against. How on earth he can assume or predict new Honda engine is better than Renault is mind boggling, simply wishful thinking and immature. I hope he will grow up to match any talent he may have, it might bring him more success in the longer run.

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  2. Chris Buchan

    I think with Leclerc and Verstappen in the mix at the front of the grid we are likely to see some exciting stuff this season. I do worry though that their relative inexperience, cobbled with their youth and raw determination, might result in some dangerous episodes. I hope not. Can't wait for 15th March. Please excuse any spelling errors, I have only a limited E.Q.

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  3. Charles Sibley

    With all the mistakes he made you would think he would learn to keep his mouth shut. His attitude stinks and is a poor reflection of his team.

    Reply
  4. Mike Davies

    Max is always quick to discredit other drivers achievements in the warped belief he is the best driver on the grid! He needs to respect Lewis's achievements on the track and he has not always had the best car? The Ferrari had the best package on the grid last year but Lewis was consistent and drove the socks off his Mercedes. Alonso and Vettel have both paid huge respect to Lewis and his achievements their opinion obviously counts. Let your driving do the talking Max not your mouth.

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