Max Verstappen says that Lewis Hamilton's vast experience in F1 does not necessarily make him the more complete driver.
The titanic battle between Red Bull and Mercedes' leading contenders will resume this weekend at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
However, for the first time ever in his career, Verstappen is leading the drivers' championship, with a four-point advantage over Hamilton.
The tight battle pits the two best teams in Grand Prix racing against each other, but also two drivers with very different levels of experience.
Verstappen was just 10-years-old when Hamilton made his F1 debut with McLaren in 2007. Since, the Briton has put 271 races under his belt, as well as a record 98 wins and seven world titles.
However, Verstappen insists that experience does not imply that Hamilton is necessarily the more complete driver, although one would be very hard pressed to single out a relative weakness in Hamilton's sturdy armor.
"I don’t agree. But that’s my opinion," Verstappen told Sky Italia. "Yes, he’s more experienced. But that doesn’t mean he’s more complete.
"It’s my opinion and there’s no need for anyone else to agree with me."
The Red Bull driver and twelve-time Grand Prix winner was also asked whether he was envious of his rival and his impressive track record.
"No and I don’t envy anyone for anything," he answered. "I’m very happy with who I am. I’m lucky to be in F1 and the life I live. And I’m not jealous or envious of anyone. I’m happy if someone has a life."
Only time will tell how the season will pan out and if Verstappen can beat Hamilton to the title, but at the very least, the Red Bull charger hopes 2021 will be a year to remember.
"I hope 2021 can be remembered as a good year," he said.
"Obviously I hope to finish ahead of everyone, but I’m not the only one who dreams of that. You have to live in the present, I know I have to be fast and we will have to work hard throughout the season.
"I know a lot of people are already working for 2022, but we have a good opportunity this year and we will have to give everything."
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