“Senior Citizen” Lewis Hamilton Is the Clear Number 1 Over Valtteri Bottas at Mercedes: Stewart

F1 is all set to return to the classic streets of Monaco this weekend, and the Lewis Hamilton – Max Verstappen rivalry show looks pretty much imminent. There are predictions pouring in from the entire F1 community ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, and Sir Jackie Stewart has joined the group with his own set of anticipations for the race.

The former British racing driver opined that neither Verstappen nor Mercedes teammate, Valtteri Bottas will be a match to a much experienced and an almost “senior citizen” Hamilton.

Furthermore, he claimed that the seven-time world champion is certainly the number 1 driver for Mercedes AMG, with Bottas hiding in the darkness following a string of rather poor performances.

What did the Former F1 driver say?

During a podcast, Stewart reckoned that fellow Briton, Hamilton, is currently in the form of his life and is clearly the number 1 driver, considering the facts that persist around him.

“Whether it’s Lewis, who I think is the number 1 driver in that team without any doubt. Bottas, I think is very good but not in the same class,” Stewart said while featuring in the ‘F1 Nation‘ podcast.

“I think Lewis is better than he has ever driven. And he knows Monaco very well now. Lewis had been driving for a very long time. He’s a senior citizen, really, in Grand Prix line-ups, if you look at the facts, his career.”

Hamilton has managed to bring out his A-game at a crucial time following the looming threat of Verstappen. Having secured three wins in the first four races, his confidence level seems to be over the roof.

And the fact that he is able to churn every bit of performance out of that Mercedes is giving Red Bull a hard time in keeping up with the seven-time world champion.

Mercedes a huge benefit to Lewis Hamilton: Stewart

The 81-year-old acknowledged that Verstappen will be a threat to Hamilton, but felt that his car could obstruct the Dutchman from beating Hamilton to a pulp.

“I think Verstappen might be the driver going around Monaco quickly,” he said. “But the Mercedes Benz is still the best car on the track with a huge benefit to the driver, and that’s his strength.”

Red Bull will be eyeing the front row over qualifying, considering the lack of overtaking opportunities throughout the circuit in Monaco. Furthermore, the race start is highly crucial. And the driver that takes control of P1 by the end of turn 1 could very well go on to win the race.

Hence, who is going to grab onto that juicy lead at the race start? Will it be Hamilton or Verstappen or will Sergio Perez add an element of surprise in this battle? Only time will tell.

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