In a week, the 2020 Formula 1 season will start in Austria and former driver Mika Hakkinen has high hopes for the championship. The Finn is particularly curious about the title fight and how Max Verstappen will relate to the other top drivers.
In recent seasons, Lewis Hamilton has been the big man in the motorsport royal class, but for the time being, everything indicates that the Brit must pull harder this year to become champion again. In many people’s eyes Mercedes is still the big favorite for the title, but the competition seems to have come a lot closer. A lot is expected of Red Bull Racing in particular this season. With Verstappen behind the wheel, the Austrian formation has a world-class driver in the ranks. Hakkinen is very curious how the Dutchman will behave in the battle with the other drivers.
Hakkinen knows best how it is to fight for the world title in the front of the field. The former driver managed to win the championship twice during his career: in 1998 and 1999. The Finn expects a title match between Hamilton, Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas for the coming season. The latter is a driver whose interests are represented by Hakkinen. “Hamilton will be on the same level as ever and I know Bottas is better prepared than ever. He is ready to do great things,” said Hakkinen in conversation with Laureus.
Hakkinen: ‘Bottas and Verstappen will challenge Hamilton this season’read more
But the former world champion also expects a lot from Verstappen, who has been waiting for a champion-worthy car for a few years now. With the RB16, Verstappen finally seems to have the desired material available. “Max sees his chance,” Hakkinen also knows. “He’s going to attack at full speed and is ready to take big risks.” And the latter can sometimes cause problems on the track. “I wonder if all drivers are ready for Max’s driving style after this long break,” said Hakkinen.
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