Leclerc and Verstappen represent the two leading lights of a new generation of drivers hoping to shunt veterans Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel down the F1 standings.

They are both expected to give Hamilton a run for his money this year as the Mercedes driver sets his sights on a record-equalling seventh title.

However, former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa, who Hamilton pipped to the World Drivers’ Championship in 2008, can’t look beyond the Brit this year.

“From what I’ve seen so far, it seems that Mercedes with Lewis Hamilton are the fastest,” Massa said. “I don’t think that fewer races is going to change that, because the factories of the teams are closed.

“I think Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen can become future world champions. But that means they have to win in these times where the difference between teams is greater than the influence of the driver. The cars in these times are great, but nobody likes it when one team dominates.”