Max Verstappen doesn't believe Lewis Hamilton will have any intention or retiring while Mercedes continue winning in Formula 1.
Later this month, the six-time world champion will commence talks on what is likely to be his fourth contract at Mercedes, with his current deal set to expire at the end of 2020.
Initially, it was speculated Hamilton could be considering a move to Ferrari but that likelihood appears to have cooled and as for retirement, Max sees no reason for the 35-year-old to voluntarily call it a day for now.
“Lewis won’t be driving forever, eventually, he’ll stop. But ultimately, it’s up to the team, not Lewis, because if Mercedes continues to build good cars that will allow him to become champion, why should he stop?" the Dutchman argued to Auto Zeitung.
“Lewis is very, very good, he’s one of the best drivers that ever existed in Formula 1 and I respect him as a very strong racer, but like I said, as a driver you’re very dependent on your car.
"If Fernando Alonso had been in that Mercedes, he would have won. It’s also part of being with a team that ultimately achieves such dominance.”
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Verstappen himself is seen as the closest driver to Hamilton and most likely to eventually dethrone him as F1 champion, but last year saw another youngster, Charles Leclerc, put Max on notice.
“He is a great driver, a huge talent and it is a very big chance for him to race for Ferrari,” he said of the Monegasque. “I expect that we will duel each other for many years.”
The 22-year-old though doesn't see Leclerc as his only generational threat.
“The many young, strong drivers like Lando Norris, George Russell or Alexander Albon are good for our sport," he added.
"Hopefully we will soon take over the leading role in Formula 1. Otherwise, it will be too boring when Lewis Hamilton always wins…”
Finally, last month saw Verstappen commit his F1 future to Red Bull by signing a new three-year deal until the end of 2023.
The speed of that renewal caught some by surprise, particularly with seats at Mercedes and Ferrari up for grabs, but neither of them interested the seven-time Grand Prix winner.
“I am happy where I am, I want to win with Red Bull and become world champion," he stated.
"You got me into Formula 1, that’s where loyalty counts. I’m really looking forward to working with the people they're a great group of people. I feel very much at home at Red Bull Racing.
"That’s also something that is very important for a driver and I appreciate that.”
