Hamilton compared to Schumacher: 'Verstappen doesn't have that'

When Lewis Hamilton first donned Ferrari's red, huge expectations arose surrounding him and the Scuderia. Christijan Albers, former F1 driver and former team boss, understands why the world's eye is fixed on how the seven-time world champion is faring at his new team.

Lewis Hamilton hardly ever gives out interviews about his private life and outside of Formula 1, the Brit often treads red carpets. Hamilton is a mysterious figure in the sport, and according to Albers, that is precisely what makes the seven-time champion still seen as the face of the sport.

"It's a copy of Michael Schumacher. Who had the same approach. Something that cannot be grasped and cannot be touched is always the most popular," Albers believes in the Telegraaf podcast.

According to Albers Max Verstappen has surpassed Hamilton in terms of performance in recent years, and although he has a worldwide fan base, he is still not as popular as Hamilton. The former driver thinks Verstappen's popularity may grow if he becomes more like Hamilton.

"Max is actually just very relaxed. That also makes him super popular in the Netherlands. Just act normal, then you are yourself, you are already crazy enough," Albers believes, before again making the comparison with Hamilton. "Something that is unappealing always has a certain appeal, he does that well. He (Hamilton) keeps everyone at bay well, which keeps him popular."