"You can tell if a driver is just really good or really a superstar"

Max Verstappen has been regarded as one of the greatest motorsport talents ever since his debut at Toro Rosso in 2015. By winning the world title in 2021, he fulfilled his greatest ambition. Former team boss Colin Kolles also sees what an incredible driver the Dutchman is.

Why Verstappen is so incredible

In the AvD Motor & Sport Magazine program of Sport1.de Kolles is a guest. The Romanian-born former team boss worked in Formula 1 between 2005 and 2008 at the team that had as many names in four years: Jordan (2005), Midland (2006), Spyker (2007) and Force India (2008).

Kolles is a big fan of Verstappen, according to the interview. The Romanian already saw that in the Dutchman's Formula 3 days. "He showed immediately that he was on the ball," he said. Verstappen could get in the car and be fast right away, something Hamilton could also do according to Kolles. "In addition, he was very professional and worked hard." Vettel also belongs to that category, according to Kolles. "But he is maybe past his prime now."

Good driver or superstar

In 2015, Verstappen was brought straight from Formula 3 to Formula 1 by Helmut Marko. Kolles was in contact with the Red Bull advisor at the time. "He tried to justify himself to me, even though it was not necessary, by saying that he is a superboy and that he is incredible. I said to Marko, 'I know he's incredible'."

Kolles lists Hamilton, Vettel and Verstappen in the same category. In total, the three drivers have won 12 world titles, with Verstappen appearing to be only at the beginning of his career. With each of these drivers, Kolles saw the potential early on. "You can tell if a driver is just really good or really a superstar," he said.