Hamilton on Verstappen comparison: Someone needs attention

Lewis Hamilton has shrugged off Max Verstappen comparisons from Red Bull boss Christian Horner and hits back that “someone needs certain attention” ahead of the British Grand Prix.

During the build-up to the Silverstone race, reports emerged with Horner rating Verstappen above Hamilton and felt he could beat the five-time Formula 1 world champion in equal cars.

Asked to respond to the comments, the Mercedes driver played down the comparisons but did pay credit to the Dutch driver following his charge through the field to take victory at the Austrian Grand Prix last time out.

“I don’t compare myself to anybody. I don’t need to. I don’t really have a response to his [Horner’s] claims,” Hamilton said. “Ultimately every now and then someone needs certain attention.

“I think Max has been doing a great job and it is really exciting to watch. I think the last race was fantastic. It will be really interesting to see how they go moving forward.”

Hamilton anticipates a tougher challenge from both Red Bull and Ferrari this weekend at Silverstone as he stands on the brink of making F1 history at his home race.

The F1 world championship leader needs one more win to take the outright record for most victories (six) at the British round, a feat he currently shares on five wins with Alain Prost and Jim Clark.

“I think we are fully aware that the Red Bulls and Ferraris have taken a step forward and the pace that they had at the last race was great,” he said. “I expect this weekend that it will be closer between us all.

“Last year Ferrari were super-fast here, as were the Red Bulls. I think the Red Bulls were a little bit down but now they have the new engine I think they will be even quicker. It is definitely not going to be an easy weekend.

“I am not one for records so if it happens this week, it happens and if it doesn’t it is no biggie for me as I am aiming to try to be here for a little bit longer.

“Just the fact that it is even a possibility is quite unreal for me and I think ultimately it is important to put that kind of stuff out of your mind and focus on the job at hand.”