Robert Kubica says he would put money on Max Verstappen winning his first Formula 1 championship before Charles Leclerc.
The two 22-year-old’s have emerged as the leaders of the next generation of top F1 drivers and are widely expected to take the fight to Lewis Hamilton for this year’s world title.
However, asked who was more likely to be the one that ends the Briton’s period of domination, the Pole believes it is Verstappen who has the edge.
“I think Max is very intelligent and is ready to win a World Championship,” Kubica told Italy’s Corriere della Sera.
“It remains to be seen how he will behave fighting for a title, but I would bet on Verstappen being world champion first.
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“It was normal that someone like Charles caused problems for Vettel.”
Kubica, who is now the reserve driver at Alfa Romeo following his one-year comeback at Williams, also commented on Ferrari and Sebastian Vettel parting ways after 2020.
“If a relationship ends, it is better to close it,” he said. “I believe that the decision was not made recently, Ferrari is used to planning every move in advance and money has nothing to do with it.”
And as for his replacement…
“Signing [Carlos] Sainz can be considered a brave choice. He is a driver who has never raced in the leading positions, which creates some difficulties when you are fighting for a victory.
“Bottas or Ricciardo would have offered some more reassurance but like always there are pros and cons.”