Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton SNUBBED as McLaren boss names three best current F1 stars
MCLAREN team principle Andrea Stella snubbed Sir Lewis Hamilton when naming the top three drivers currently in Formula One.
Hamilton, 38, has won a record seven world championship titles since his debut season in 2007.
However, the Hertfordshire-born driver has struggled to match rival Max Verstappen over the last two seasons.
Amid Mercedes' on-track struggles, Hamilton finished sixth in the Driver Standings last year and third this term.
And Stella thinks he is no longer among the best drivers on the grid.
The Italian believes three-time world champion Verstappen is the best, along with Lando Norris and Fernando Alonso.
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He told DAZN: "Lando is already one of the best drivers on the grid.
"He is very fast, very good in the race, with tire management… When I think about Lando, I think that if the team and I gave him a good car, he would be able to fight for the championship.
"When we talk about being the most complete, I definitely think of Fernando Alonso. He basically has no weaknesses.
"I think this makes him unique. He is not the best in many things, but he is very strong in all of them.
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"Lando, I think his development as a driver will make him so complete. He reminds me a little of Fernando.
"My top 3 drivers with the same cars would be Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and Fernando Alonso."
Red Bull topped the constructors championship standings this year, with Mercedes finishing second and Ferrari third.