Max Verstappen is currently a bigger threat to win eight Formula 1 championships than Lewis Hamilton, Felipe Massa claims.
As we all know, just two years ago, the Mercedes driver was on the brink of surpassing Michael Schumacher's tally of seven titles set in 2004 until that infamous conclusion in Abu Dhabi.
Fast forward to now, however, and Massa believes Hamilton and Mercedes' current struggles mean his former Ferrari teammate will continue to share the record for some time yet.
“It won’t be any time soon,” the Brazilian told Bild on if the record will be broken.
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“Sure, Lewis also has seven World titles, but I don’t think he can win an eighth – at least not with this car this season.
"The Mercedes is too bad for Lewis to have a realistic chance of playing a major role in the title race. He can drive as well as he wants, but his car is too slow."
At the same time, Massa notes the current dominance by Verstappen and Red Bull means the Dutchman could well go on a long championship-winning streak.
“Max Verstappen has been World Champion the last two years. I see no reason why he shouldn’t achieve the hat trick," the Brazilian continued. "Much more, Max can also win four, five or six titles in a row.
“Everything has to be right for such a run, that’s what is happening at the moment. Max makes no mistakes, Red Bull works perfectly, the engine is strong.
"That’s how it was with Michael with Ferrari and Lewis with Mercedes. The conditions are optimal for a Red Bull era.”
As a result, Massa agreed that Verstappen, not Hamilton is a bigger threat to surpassing Schumacher's record.
"At the moment, yes," he replied. “Max doesn’t make any mistakes, he drives like a robot. He is extremely mature for his age.
“The two titles have made him even better. He’s more relaxed now, not so dogged. He still drives with a crowbar from time to time, but he uses it more purposefully.”
But, as Felipe noted: “Next year, however, the title race can look very different again if Mercedes finds its old strength,” he concluded.
