Schumacher offers Verstappen and Hamilton 'walk-on-water' comparison

Ralf Schumacher has underlined a growing distinction between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, whilst arguing there was a time when both appeared to be able to "walk on water" in F1.

Speaking to Formel1.de, the German used the example of modern-day F1's two main protagonists when discussing his relationship with - and the comparisons to - his older brother, seven-time F1 drivers' champion Michael Schumacher.

The 49-year-old raced in F1 alongside his sibling for a decade between 1997 and 2006 (Ralf retired the season after), but enjoyed a fraction of the success.

In a career that saw him drive for Jordan, Williams and Toyota, the younger Schumacher won six grand prix to his brother's 91.

However, Ralf was often considered to have more natural talent, but not the same work ethic as Michael. When this point was put to him, he highlighted a key difference between their careers - the machinery at their respective disposal.

Whilst Michael won championships at Benetton and Ferrari, Ralf argued he never had equipment that was equal to, or better than that of his brother.

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Verstappen distinguishing feature revealed

To illustrate his point, he turned to Hamilton and Verstappen, saying: "We have seen in Formula 1 that a team has to give a driver a winning car. We once thought Lewis Hamilton could walk on water [before Mercedes' decline in 2022]."

He then used the current example of Verstappen, who dominated all before him last season, winning 19 of 22 grands prix en route to a third successive drivers' title.

However, despite starting 2024 in similar form, he has been unable to replicate that high level this term. Winless since the Spanish Grand Prix in June, Red Bull has been unable to provide the Dutchman with the tools required to triumph.

"I personally thought Max Verstappen could walk on water," Schumacher added, before drawing out what he believes is now the fundamental difference between F1's two most recent champions.

"However, in my eyes, Verstappen is getting ahead of Hamilton purely on the basis of talent. That only distinguishes him more from the rest," he concluded.