F1 News: Verstappen has ended Hamilton's title-winning days

(GMM) Lewis Hamilton’s days at the very top of Formula 1 are “over”, according to former grand prix driver Eddie Irvine who says Max Verstappen is too good.

The 58-year-old Ulsterman, best known for serving as Michael Schumacher’s teammate at Ferrari, thinks the Max Verstappen and Red Bull era is only just beginning.

“The era of success for Hamilton and Mercedes is over,” Irvine told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

He admitted that Hamilton, who has just turned 39, “remains a very good driver” who “still does an excellent job behind the wheel”.

But Irvine insists that Dutchman Verstappen now clearly has the upper hand “because he is younger, has a bit more speed and a lot of belief in his abilities”

As for Hamilton, he added: “I doubt that he will be able to win the championship again and thus fulfil his dream of winning an eighth title.”

Hamilton knows if he races alongside Verstappen, Verstappen will destroy him and his marketing image

Related Article: Verstappen’s March to Greatness

Berger Agrees

Gerhard Berger has admitted he can’t see anyone but Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen winning the 2024 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Gerhard Berger has said that it’s hard to look past the Dutchman and shared why he thinks he’s such a good driver.

“The Verstappen and Red Bull pairing are very strong, the team is stable, everyone in the team is confident, and the regulations have not changed.

“Good reasons to consider Max still the favorite in the World Championship. The most impressive thing, in addition to his hunger for victories, is the fact that he never makes mistakes.

“He is very experienced and mature, despite his young age, and he also knows how to best manage every situation on and off the track, be it strategies, politics or relations with the media, maintaining a ‘low profile’ which makes me like him.

“Max is part of a new generation of drivers who grew up with karting and the simulator. In the past Ayrton Senna, Stefan Belloff and Michael Schumacher had only had karting as a training ground.

“Instead, Verstappen was able also develop other qualities, taking driving perfection to a higher level.

“His father and mother, former drivers, contributed by teaching him the tricks of the trade.

“It must be said, however, that Red Bull was dominant last year and this has allowed Max to have a comfortable life, always being able to manage a big advantage, while in 2024 I expect Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes to be closer.”