Lewis Hamilton blasted as a 'brand' by F1 team boss in brutal Max Verstappen comparison
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have shared an intense and entertaining rivalry over the years, but one team boss has a clear favourite between the pair.
AlphaTauri team manager Graham Watson has labelled Lewis Hamilton as a ‘brand’ rather than a driver, claiming that Max Verstappen is the true racing fanatic on the F1 grid. The Dutchman has followed up his immense 2021 title fight with two further Drivers’ Championship crowns, achieved in a much more dominant fashion.
The Dutchman won the 2023 World Championship at a canter, beating team-mate and closest rival Sergio Perez in the standings by an unprecedented margin of 290 points, accumulating a record-breaking 19 Grand Prix victories along the way. He now heads into the 2024 season as a three-time world champion.
Hamilton’s season, in contrast, was a frustrating one. Despite finishing third in the standings behind the two Red Bull drivers, the seven-time world champion was forced to settle for one pole position and six podiums with no opportunities to claim a race win presented to him.
At 39 years of age, Hamilton is still hoping to claim his record-breaking eighth world title, but with Verstappen at one with his Red Bull machinery and full of confidence, it will take a major leap forward in performance for Mercedes to reunite the two former rivals in a title battle again.
Stay up-to-date with the latest F1 news
Join us on WhatsAppOur community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
Don't miss... Zak Brown explains Red Bull fears as ‘unpleasant surprise’ could end title hopes [LATEST]
Speaking to Verstappen.com, Watson said: “Max is the best thing that has happened to Formula One. When Max went from us to Red Bull, I compared it to Michael Schumacher’s move to Ferrari. He made Formula One immensely popular at the time.
“Just look at the old images of Hockenheim and Spa: the stands were full with Schumacher flags. I think Max single-handedly saved Formula One. Because he brings the same intensity and generates interest.
“People come en masse to Austria, Spa, actually everywhere for him. I didn’t even see that back in Schumacher’s time. My wife is 60 years old, but a big fan of Max. Because of his style [and] because of the excitement he creates on track. Max brings a whole new audience to Formula One.
More F1...
Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc's 'weaknesses' called out by Red Bull chief [VERDICT]
AlphaTauri's new team name 'leaked' as Red Bull ramp up announcement plans [INSIGHT]
McLaren boss gives verdict on keeping Lando Norris as Red Bull interest persists [OPINION]
“Lewis Hamilton is very talented, but is involved in so many things that people wonder: is he a Formula One driver or not? He’s associated with so many other things. Lewis Hamilton is a brand, Max Verstappen is a Formula One driver. And that won’t change.
“I’m not saying that what Hamilton is doing is wrong, but he’s not the nerd like Max. When guys like that are not in the car, they’re in the simulator or in a kart. They’re always trying to improve themselves.”