𝔍Lewi𓆉s Hamilton says Red Bull is making certain progress to close the gap in performance to Mercedes having seen Max Verstappen’s recent surge continue this season.

After making the switch to Honda power at the start of this year following the successful initial campaign the Japanese manufacturer enjoyed with sister squad Toro Rosso, Red Bull’s charge has been led by Max Verstappen resulting in two w♛ins plus a pole position and another podium over the past four races g♏oing into the summer break.

Hamilton h🌸as duly paid credit to both Verstappen and Red Bull while he sees his rival’s progress as gaining on his Mercedes squad’s own developm💧ent rates.

“Time will tell. I think he’s done a great job and they have clearly done a great job in quite a few of the races now,” Hamilton said. “Nevertheless, I think we need to just focus on ourselves🎀 and not be distracted by focusing on others.

“I think the🐻y will be quick here [Hungary] and there will be places like Singapore where they will probably be strong, but they are in general, slowly, collectively catching up.

“It’s easier to catch up than it is to stay ahead, to be the leader in many d𒉰ifferent aspects. But it’s great to see them progressing.

“We want the competition so we’ll be ready for the fight whatever t♕he case.”

Hamilton and Verstappen have shared every F1 race victory stretching back to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix – claimed by Valtteri Bo🅺ttas – as Red Bull looks to reel in Ferrari in second place in the Formula 1 world constructors’ standings.

Red Bull has shaken-up its driver line-up for the second half of the season, promoting Alexander Albon at the expense of Pierre Gasly, as it aims to maximise its p♒oints haul with just 44 points splitting the Milton Keynes-based squad to the ﷽Scuderia with nine rounds to go.