Verstappen in major Hamilton claim: 'People will start hating me'

Max Verstappen has claimed Lewis Hamilton lacks a special trait that sets apart good and great drivers in Formula 1.

The Dutchman has won five out of the first seven races this season to secure a 53-point advantage over Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez.

Whilst the RB19 has provided the platform for his success, Verstappen has outlined a specific area which he believes can give him an edge over his rivals.

The two-time World Champion has often been heard picking up on minor details from the cockpit over team radio, not least a ringing phone during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend.

“I do like to think that having extra capacity is a big advantage in F1 as well. You cannot train that kind of thing. Only a few drivers have it," he told The Sunday Times.

On whether any of his competitors possessed the same ability, Verstappen added: “For me, definitely Fernando [Alonso] - I can feel that, from the way he operates in the car, picking up on little things, showing this extra capacity - still driving at the limit but thinking about other stuff as well."

Verstappen explains "extra capacity" trait

Alonso is often heard coaching Aston Martin teammate Lance Stroll over the team radio, while also offering advice on race strategy and watching big screens to follow the on-track action.

Explaining how drivers are able to compute outside influences whilst driving, Verstappen said: "You are talking to the engineer but I am also hearing a pit stop by a Ferrari car. I asked, ‘Did they box? I heard that on the radio.’

"But if you are fully focused on your driving, you probably won’t pick it up because you are fully focused on his voice."

When asked if he holds 2021 title rival Hamilton in the same regard, Verstappen replied: “No.

"Fernando stands out more with that. People will probably start hating me for [saying] that, but just that’s how I see it.”