The Brazilian driver, who won titles in 1981, 1983 and 1987, said it was “very difficult to make a direct comparison between two drivers if they weren’t on the same team” but believed the Dutch driver would come out on top in a team. On the part of the challenge.

Pique also questioned the ability of Hamilton’s team-mate Valtteri Bottas, saying, “It’s not that Hamilton is not good. But he has a lousy driver next to him and the former driver.” [Nico Rosberg] Was worse. “

His son, Nelson Beckett Jr., the former Formula E champion, also supported Verstappen, saying he “brings a knife between his teeth”.

The couple spoke after Verstappen narrowly missed winning the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday after he had to return first place to Hamilton after overtaking him while off the track.

Pique told Motorsport.com: “First of all, we have to take into account that the F1 is a class with different cars, so it is very difficult to make a direct comparison between two drivers if they are not on the same team. But if Max is driving a Mercedes, then it is very difficult to make a direct comparison between two drivers.” I’m sure he’ll smash Hamilton.

“Max is more aggressive. He may make mistakes frequently because of this aggressiveness, but in my opinion he is better than Hamilton. Things are very easy for Hamilton to win everything with Bottas by his side as the second driver.”

“It’s a bit like Mansell and I’m in Williams, with the other drivers in the back. I won the 1987 championship, and I wasn’t driving like before, because I had an accident at the start of the year and had problems in depth of field. But I won the championship with a little luck. I should have won in 1986, but I should have won in 1987.

“But it was very easy. The car was much better than the others. The Mercedes was much better than the others in years past.

“It’s not that Hamilton is not good. But he has a lousy driver next to him and the ex-driver [Rosberg] Was worse. he is [Rosberg] He won because it was a year that Hamilton had accidents and breakdowns. “

Pique Jr., who spent a short stint in Formula 1, driving a Renault alongside Fernando Alonso in 2008-2009: “I think we have to think of two things: the Lewis experience and Max’s wish. Lewis has been in Formula 1 for 15 seasons and I think you are.” Little by little, you start to lose this desire, on the other hand, Max brings a knife between his teeth.

“Lewis has already won seven championships, so he comes with another kind of“ shot. ”That could make a difference.

“I like comparing Max to an MMA fighter, because I’m ready to take on any challenge. It’s different to Lewis, who has already won tournaments and so forth.

“Lewis’ experience will help in some areas, but Max’s desire and aggression is greater.”