Nico Hulkenberg would need to know more before deciding if Max Verstappen is the best driver in Formula 1.
Following his win in Austria, the Dutchman’s boss at Red Bull, Christian Horner, made that very claim citing his progress and strong results over the past year.
As world champion, Lewis Hamilton shrugged off the suggestion believing Horner just wanted attention, while Hulkenberg suggested he couldn’t give an informed opinion.
“Max, it is always hard to say because I am very inside this team and my view is very limited because I care for myself and Renault, and I see all the details inside this team,” he explained.
“I don’t pay much attention to what other people do on their race weekend, but looking across the board and his runs so far this year he has done pretty well.”
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For every driver, there is naturally a sense of ego and not wanting to show weakness to a rival, although Hulkenberg insists there is nothing wrong in acknowledging the performance of another driver.
“You do see that sometimes, and you pay respect when a colleague drives a great race or a great qualifying lap,” he said.
“Of course we are all selfish and like to think that we are the best. You do kind of need that attitude and thinking to stay sharp and good.”