Ex-F1 world champion claims Lewis Hamilton ‘has got the ability’ to challenge Max Verstappen in 2024

Lewis Hamilton is still at the top of his game at the pinnacle of motor racing.

Ex-F1 world champion claims Lewis Hamilton ‘has got the ability’ to challenge Max Verstappen in 2024

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton (Via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen has been annihilating his competition at the pinnacle of motor racing since 2022. He’s been operating in a league of his own but amidst his ever-growing stature, the 2009 F1 world champion, Jenson Button has backed Lewis Hamilton to challenge Verstappen during 2024.

Lewis Hamilton has not been seen in the world championship fight since 2021. Mercedes has struggled under the current set of regulations and has not been able to provide Hamilton with the weaponry that is required to challenge Red Bull and its most prized possession, Max Verstappen.

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However, while the sport is at a halt during the ongoing winter break, Jenson Button feels Hamilton can challenge the Dutchman next year. While shedding light on the same, he said as reported by F1 oversteer;

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Coming up against Max is difficult but if Lewis is in a car that suits him and Max is in a car that suits him… I look forward to that fight. Hopefully, we will see it before Lewis retires, he’s definitely got the ability to do that.

Looking at the comments of Button, it is quite clear that he firmly believes if Toto Wolff and Co. can provide the former 7-time F1 world champion with a solid car next year, then he would most definitely be seen locking horns with Max Verstappen regularly.

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Lewis Hamilton performed brilliantly during the 2023 F1 season

While Jenson Button has backed Lewis Hamilton to challenge Max Verstappen in 2024, some of his faith in the former’s ability could have stemmed from how Hamilton performed during the 2023 F1 season. The Brit was able to do exceptionally well behind the wheel of Mercedes’s unpredictable W14.

Lewis Hamilton (Credits: Planet F1)
Lewis Hamilton (Credits: Planet F1)

Moreover, his performances were so good and consistent that he was able to give Red Bulls Sergio Perez a serious run for his money. Hamilton ended the 2023 F1 season in third place behind Verstappen and Perez and was also able to amass a respectable 234 points.

Keeping in view everything that has been discussed, Lewis Hamilton will have several eyes glued on him during the 2024 campaign. The Mercedes F1 team wants to provide the Brit with a solid car but considering the teams that are around them, it will be extremely challenging.

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