At the age of 25 with two world championship titles under his belt and a third in his sights, Max Verstappen is on course to become one of the most successful Formula 1 drivers in history.
This, of course, has not gone unnoticed by his team. Verstappen has won six races from a possible eight and maintains a healthy lead over second-placed teammate Sergio Perez.
The reigning world champion has been in such tremendous form that comparisons are being drawn over which Red Bull driver is the ultimate superlative great: Sebastian Vettel or Max Verstappen?
Sebastian Vettel raced for Red Bull between 2009-2014 winning a total of 4 world titles. The German is currently ranked third in the all-time Formula One Grand Prix winners’ list with 53 victories and 38 of these came at Red Bull.
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
Indeed Max Verstappen has time on his side and it seems ever more likely he will better such records.
One man, in particular, believes Verstappen is undeniably the better driver.
“We thought that Sebastian was the best of the best – but then Max came along,” said Dr Helmut Marko.
“Vettel was an extremely meticulous worker with an enormous basic speed,
“But even in this respect, Max is just one step further ahead. He can go full throttle immediately,
“That’s the unbelievable natural talent and the resulting incredible basic speed.
“He has fantastic vehicle control, especially at the limit,” Marko claimed.
Christian Horner quick to defend Sebastian Vettel
While it’s clear Marko Helmut believes there is a difference in class between Verstappen and Vettel, team principal Christian Horner and Guillaume Rocquelin (Vettel’s former race engineer at Red Bull) are more cautious.
Horner recognises Vettel for his work ethic which he ultimately credits for such success.
“They are two very different, phenomenally successful drivers,” he said.
“I think Sebastian, with what he has achieved in his career, is one of the really great and most successful drivers in this sport.
“He worked very, very hard. Sebastian’s ability to deal with pressure was fantastic. He has a lot of talent and at the same time he understood that he has to work hard to be the best.
“He wanted to understand every detail of the car and analysed the opponents and their weaknesses.”
Guillaume Rocquelin, now head of Red Bull’s driver program, sees a technical difference between the two Red Bull greats but appears assured that Verstappen will reach that level in due time.
“Compared to the other top drivers, he can still improve technically. There is still a lot of room for improvement,”
READ: Fernando Alonso linked to 35-year-old Spanish bombshell after Taylor Swift rumours
“I think he’ll only get stronger as he gains technical know-how,” Rocquelin claimed.
Verstappen is still early in his F1 career and already has 40 race wins compared to Vettel who managed 53 throughout his whole career.
If things continue to progress at the current rate, then Verstappen will comfortably beat the phenomenal record set by Sebastian Vettel.