Schumacher: 'Hamilton doesn't stand a chance with Max this year'

"Max has had bad luck twice now, but he has put in an incredible performance so far. Even when the Red Bull isn't running well, he's getting the best out of the car," Schumacher eulogised in his column with Sky. Thanks to two unfortunate Grands Prix, he has had to relinquish the lead in the world championship. "But I don't think he will overcompensate in the second half of the season because he has matured now".

Verstappen and Red Bull focused

That maturity also struck Jacques Villeneuve earlier. It is an important quality if you want the world title in Formula 1, according to Schumacher. "You've seen that all season and it was badly needed. Of course, Lewis is trying all sorts of things to get him off his back, but he doesn't stand a chance with Max this year. For Red Bull, it will be important to focus on the essentials and not constantly react to Mercedes' distraction tactics."

At the Grand Prix at Silverstone, Hamilton bowled his big Dutch rival out of the race. There will be many more clashes to come, it is predicted. "I don't think Lewis and Max have clashed for the last time. The closer it gets to the end of the championship, the harder it will become. For us as spectators that's great because we can look forward to mega exciting races," the 46-year-old German concluded.