Verstappen is realistic: "Normally no chance against Hamilton"

While Helmut Marko is hopeful for a victory at the Belgian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen is a bit more realistic. The Dutchman does not think he can fight Hamilton unless he has a good start.

Tomorrow the Mercedes drivers will start from the first row of the grid, with Verstappen immediately behind them. In qualifying, Valtteri Bottas managed to set a slightly better time and therefore, according to his own words, will start in a 'better starting position' compared to the Dutchman.

Verstappen himself doesn't know if this is the case, due to the slipstream he may have at the start. "I don't know, I think he should say that too. Today, of course, he must also have something positive to say, but in the end, I don't care. I just need a good start", says Verstappen in front of the camera of the German RTL.

The Dutchman is therefore realistic about his chances tomorrow. "Normally I do not have a chance against Lewis Hamilton". Nevertheless, Verstappen foresees a few situations that will allow him to compete with the six-time world champion. "Maybe in the first lap, after turn five, I can take an action on Valtteri and then we'll see".

The Red Bull Racing driver may also be able to get back support from Alexander Albon, who will start at P5. And former teammate Daniel Ricciardo hopes to win a few places from the second row of the grid as well, which could become an important factor in the battle between Verstappen and Mercedes.