“The six best drivers can beat Lewis”– Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone believes Lewis Hamilton had huge luck behind him.
In the turbo-hybrid era, Lewis Hamilton has dominated across all the circuits to become the seven-time world champion, only been beaten once by his former teammate Nico Rosberg, but his legacy in the sport is right now untouchable.
However, Bernie Ecclestone believes that given the right car, the top six drivers in the current grid can defeat Hamilton, and the Briton also had the luck to accomplish so much.
“No, I don’t think he is at the moment. The six best drivers can beat Lewis and also Max if they have the car to do so. The right champion is characterised by the fact that he can also deal with difficult situations,” he said to BILD.
“But you can’t write Lewis off under any circumstances. It will be an exciting duel between him and Verstappen. As a top driver in Formula 1 you not only need the best car, but also a bit of luck.”
“Lewis has had that for many, many years, but currently luck is not always on his side or that of Mercedes. But I also have to acknowledge that Red Bull is doing a great job.”
Max Verstappen also needs luck and a better car.
Ecclestone also believes Max Verstappen has the capability to be a world champion. Still, he also interjected that it depends on a better car and luck and cited George Russell’s change in performance after substituting for Hamilton in Bahrain last year.
“Yes, absolutely [he can become world champion this year]. He is talented and fast, but also needs a bit of luck – and the better car,” added the 90-year-old former F1 boss.
“How important this can be for a driver we saw last year with George Russell in Bahrain, when he filled in for Lewis and only didn’t win because he had a problem. Nobody expected that.”
