Only 60pc of F1 drivers can win in Mercedes - Verstappen

Only 60 percent of the current drivers in Formula 1 would be able to win the world championship in a dominant Mercedes car, according to Max Verstappen.

Many are predicting that Red Bull driver Verstappen, 22, will be able to take on six time world champion Lewis Hamilton in 2020.

The Dutchman admits Hamilton is a top driver, but he said "so much depends on the car".

"60 percent of the drivers in Formula 1 could win the championship in a Mercedes. But not all of the 20 drivers could do it," he added, answering "yes" when asked if his friend Lando Norris is among that top 60 percent.

The interviewer for the Dutch broadcaster Ziggo Sport then started reeling off the names of some of the those who Verstappen believes are not capable of winning in a Mercedes.

He named Giovinazzi, Stroll, Kubica, Kvyat, Gasly and Grosjean, before Verstappen interjected: "You called it right."

But what about Alex Albon, Verstappen’s own Red Bull teammate?

"I will not answer that question," Verstappen laughed.