MAX VERSTAPPEN is adamant he has what it takes to win his first world championship this season.
The 22-year-old is in his sixth season in Formula One after bursting onto the scene as a teenager.
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Max Verstappen is targeting the F1 title this seasonCredit: Rex
And after four full seasons as a Red Bull driver, Verstappen thinks he’s ready to challenge Lewis Hamilton atop the standings.
The young Dutchman finished third last season a long way adrift of champion Hamilton and Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas in second.
But, speaking in a promotional video for Mobil1, Verstappen said: “I’m having a great time with the team. Everyone is very motivated and everyone works well together, I feel at home with the team and that’s important.
“As a driver you obviously want to win championships and as a team we are working very hard towards that goal.”
“Winning the championship, that would be a successful year.
“I’m still young and when I started I was even younger. I didn’t have a lot of experience then and I’ve been on a natural learning curve ever since.
“You learn from your mistakes, you have good races and I’m very happy with the outcome so far. And now it’s time to go for the championship.”
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen are two of the best racers in F1Credit: Rex
Mercedes have dominated the sport for the last six years with Hamilton winning five drivers’ titles in that time.
But in terms of racing ability, F1 commentator Martin Brundle believes Verstappen has closed the gap on Hamilton.
During a Twitter Q&A on Sky Sports, Brundle was asked: “After all you’ve seen of the two, in equal machinery, who wins over who over the course of a season: Hamilton or Verstappen?”
He replied: “Until 2019 I’d have always put my money on Hamilton, but I believe the tide is turning and that’s why I’m particularly sad not to be witnessing Max vs Lewis right now.”
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Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
