Hamilton: Verstappen "is showing consistency"

Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel believe Max Verstappen has started to prove how consistent he can be following a successful end to the 2018 season.

Verstappen has five Formula 1 wins including two in 2018 with victories at the Austrian and Mexican Grand Prix.

The Dutchman could’ve had a third last season had it not been for that clash with Esteban Ocon which resulted in Verstappen doing community service.

Hamilton, who won his fifth world title last season believes Verstappen is starting to prove himself as a top driver.

 "Max drove very well throughout last year, showing his consistency," Hamilton said in an interview on onestopstrategy.com.

"He was right up there with us many, many times, so if his team does the job and delivers a platform with which he can compete even closer with us, then of course he'll be in the fight."

With the title being a two-horse race for the last few years, Hamilton is not the only one thinking Verstappen has finally joined the party.

Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel agreed, saying: “I think he's got all the ingredients," said the German.

"I think there's a couple of guys out there who have these qualities and Max is certainly one of them."