Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel has recently called Toro Rosso rookie Max Verstappen a “surprise”, saying he’s done a very good job in his first season.
If there’s one thing race car drivers hate is admitting that they’re worried about another driver being faster or more talented than they are. Vettel however doesn’t mind acknowledging the fact that Max Verstappen might be a title contender some day, which in turn would make him quite difficult to beat.
The German also threw in a backhanded compliment by saying that “Max has been a surprise because he’s been very aggressive, sometimes too aggressive,” but then added that “he has done a very good season so far, he has had two fourth places.”
Indeed, Verstappen is on quite a run right now after securing six consecutive point-scoring finishes, including those fourth place finishes at the Hungaroring and in Austin. Right now, he’s fighting Nico Hulkenberg and Romain Grosjean in the 2015 Drivers Standings, with only one race left on the calendar.
Vettel also mentioned how he’s sure that Verstappen will “make us worried, the older generation, which I’m part of now,” and that’s key because getting that type of recognition from such a successful driver as Vettel is huge.
Speaking of generations, even though Vettel is just 28 years old, he is definitely part of an older generation of top drivers which includes Lewis Hamilton of course, but also Nico Rosberg, Nico Hulkenberg, Daniel Ricciardo and Valtteri Bottas, in no particular order.
Verstappen’s “generation” on the other hand includes the likes of Carlos Sainz (his teammate at Toro Rosso), Red Bull’s Daniil Kvyat and Sauber’s Felipe Nasr. These youngsters have proven themselves this season by staying consistent throughout the year and showing great promise while racing against more experienced drivers with quicker cars.
Story references: autosport