Red Bull's Verstappen says he can dethrone Hamilton

Red Bull's Max Verstappen says he can beat Lewis Hamilton to Formula One title if his car is good eugh, insisting Britain's six-time world champion is "t God". 22-year-old Dutchman could prove Hamilton's closest challenger this year, following Red Bull's strong finish to end of last season. Hamilton, 35, has dominated F1 in recent years, winning five of past six championships, and will this year equal Michael Schumacher's record haul of seven titles if he secures ar triumph.

But asked if he could beat Hamilton over course of a season, Verstappen said: "Yes. Of course, it is very car-dependent in Formula One. Lewis is very good. He is definitely one of best out re. He is t God, maybe God is with him, but he is t God. "When you can put pressure on it is a lot harder for guy in le. If he never really has pressure, he can drive at 97 or 98 percent and n you never make mistakes. "If we start season within two-tenths (of a second of Mercedes), we can mount pressure. I am looking forward to when we get that fight and if we are really close I am pretty sure we can do better."

Verstappen, speaking at a Red Bull media event on Monday, resisted lure of a move to eir Mercedes or Ferrari by committing his long-term future to Red Bull with a four-year contract extension. Hamilton's next move is uncertain, with his Mercedes deal set to expire at end of year. "It is a good thing my future is sorted because it takes away any doubt," said Verstappen, who won three times last year and finished third in championship behind Hamilton and his Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas.

"re are question marks any more. When you go into a season and your contract is up at end of year, at one point it is going to be a bit awkward. I didn't want to have any of that. "This is right place. I see motivation and hunger to fight for victories and a championship. Looking at this year we want to mount a challenge to Mercedes and I think we can do that." first race of season takes place in Australia on March 15.