JACKIE STEWART is excited by Max Verstappen’s duel with Lewis Hamilton for the F1 title, as the Brit has been dominant for ‘too long’.
No driver could get near Hamilton, 36, in the last four seasons with the seven-time champion and Mercedes a step above the rest.
But the 2021 campaign has seen Verstappen and Red Bull launch an ambush on the world crown.
The Dutch star leads Hamilton by three points following his victory in front of his home Zandvoort crowd.
And 82-year-old Stewart, who won three titles during a prestigious career, believes Formula One has been yearning for a challenger to the throne.
In an interview with Ziggo Sport, via Sports Mole, he said: “It’s always nice to see a young challenger who can attack the leader.
“Lewis Hamilton has been the leader for too long. His team has been dominant for so long that we haven’t experienced this for a long time.
“Max Verstappen has put the sport back on the map, because it’s so important that there is someone in F1 who provides the action and tension.
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“The Honda engine is now good enough for Verstappen can take the fight to them. He’s also hungrier than Hamilton.”
The title rivals will do battle again this weekend at Monza.
Despite his slender lead atop the championship, Verstappen heads to Italy having won the last six races where he has not crashed out or suffered damage.
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