Verstappen ‘very sure’ he is faster than Hamilton

Despite losing the lead in the Drivers’ Championship, Max Verstappen isn’t disheartened as he is “absolutely sure” he is faster than Lewis Hamilton.

Recording his first-ever hat-trick of wins in Formula 1 – France, Styria, Austria – Verstappen went into the British Grand Prix leading Hamilton by 32 points.

He left eight points ahead of the Mercedes driver after a crash on the opening lap meant he retired for only the second time this season.

Determined to bounce back in Hungary and put the Silverstone drama behind him, Verstappen instead “again taken out by a Mercedes”, this time Valtteri Bottas.

The Finn got it horribly wrong at Turn 1 on the opening lap, causing a multi-car crash that badly damaged Verstappen’s RB16B.

Running in a car with “less downforce” than a Haas, he could only manage P9 on the day while Hamilton brought his Mercedes home in second place to take an eight-point lead in the standings.

Verstappen says he’ll bounce back, after all he is “absolutely sure” he’s the faster of the two title rivals.

“I’m sure we can make it an exciting battle,” the 23-year-old told De Telegraaf.

“We still have a good chance of winning and should not suddenly give up.

“I see it this way: I can still go faster than anyone in a car. There is also something in it.

“I am absolutely sure that I am faster than Lewis.

“For me it works very well to think like that. If I didn’t think so, I’d be better off staying at home.”