While Verstappen was the star of the show – and his efforts included a breathtaking move on Sergio Perez - Hamilton complained afterwards that he got stuck behind Rosberg as it was 'impossible' to overtake.

The different experiences of the two drivers triggered some debate on social media, but Verstappen was adamant that the circumstances of his charging drive were very different to what Hamilton faced fighting an identical car.

"With a Mercedes, maybe they have problems when they are very close to each other," explained the Toro Rosso driver.

"Plus, their speed is higher, and they both had good pace, so maybe it is more difficult for them.

"I know when the Toro Rossos are behind each other it is difficult to get past, so if you have the same type of car it is very hard."

Different strengths

Verstappen believes that the key to allowing overtaking in F1 is that the two cars battling each have strengths in different areas.

"We have very good cornering speed, so if we are behind a Lotus, Sauber or Force India we catch up in the fast corners, even when we are behind," he said. "So that is different for sure.

"For them [Mercedes], it is equal everywhere – on the corners and the straights. When your car is exactly the same as your teammate and you are behind, it is very tough.

"And when you are behind, you lose a lot in the fast corners. So I can understand Lewis saying that."