Vettel: Max Verstappen, a “terrifying” improvement towards the F1 championship

Vettel Praises Verstappen’s “Terrifying” Growth

The four-time Formula 1 world champion, Sebastian Vettel, has expressed his admiration for Max Verstappen’s “terrifying” progress, highlighting his winning mentality ahead of this year’s title fight in the last two races. Vettel, who also won four consecutive titles with Red Bull, believes that Verstappen, at 28 years old, could surpass his own championship record before the end of his career. Verstappen still has a chance to win the title this year in the last two rounds and is 24 points behind the championship leader, Lando Norris, and tied in points with Norris’ McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri. Regardless of whether he achieves a fifth title this year, Vettel believes that Verstappen improves with each season and highlights that the Dutch driver possesses a mentality that makes him less susceptible to pressure.

I think what’s scary is that it’s getting better. We know it’s good, but it keeps getting better. It keeps hungry, keeps willing to learn.

Sebastian Vettel

Vettel also added that Verstappen works hard behind the scenes, which makes him such a strong driver. In addition, he highlighted Verstappen’s innate talent, but emphasized that his strength lies in his mentality. Vettel praised Verstappen’s ability to remain calm in crucial situations, minimizing errors and performing at his best when needed. He acknowledged that everyone feels pressure, but Verstappen manages to focus on what’s important.

When asked if Verstappen would feel less pressure than Norris and Piastri in the upcoming races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, Vettel answered in the affirmative, arguing that Verstappen has already won championships. Vettel added that winning the first championship is a great relief and that, in the current situation, Verstappen only needs to perform perfectly.