Valtteri Bottas is the only man who can stop Lewis Hamilton becoming a seven-time Formula 1 champion in 2020, both Ferrari drivers say.
Mercedes have started the delayed season with a rocketship of a car, claiming victory in all three races so far with Bottas winning once and Hamilton twice.
Such was the Briton’s performance advantage last weekend in Hungary, he lapped the entire field up to fifth, while a bad start only saw the Finn finish third behind Max Verstappen.
But with the Red Bull driver already 30 points behind and Ferrari struggling in the midfield, Sebastian Vettel was pretty clear on the only way Hamilton would not match Michael Schumacher’s record.
“If Valtteri wins the championship,” he said.
Asked the same question, Charles Leclerc then echoed his teammate.
“I think Lewis is the main contender, but as Seb said, the only one who could probably stop him doing that is Valtteri,” he stated.
Mercedes though deny they are in a class of their own, with Bottas claiming the pecking order could quickly change.
“We only did three races but at this point in time? Yes,” he said on if the team were alone at the front via Motorsport-Total.com.
“Based on two different routes, we seem to be the best car. Sometimes with a big lead. That’s a fact.
“But you just never know how the season will go, so we will keep pushing.
“It’s Formula 1. Everything can change.”
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If it does turn into a two-horse race as the Ferrari drivers predict though, Bottas does insist he can challenge Hamilton.
“For me, it’s all about improving my performance and beating my teammate just like beating everyone else on the track,” he explained.
“I believe in my ability to fight him, that’s the big challenge for me.
“I think my performance has been good. I think there might have been some unfortunate events that cost me a little, but I’m satisfied with the performance.
“It is a very encouraging start.”
