Verstappen Development: 'Max has become not so much faster or better'

Jan Lammers is impressed with the way Max Verstappen secured his second world title this season. Despite it looking like Ferrari would be a serious contender at the beginning of the race year, the Dutchman became world champion fairly easily. According to Lammers, the biggest strength lies with himself.

"Max manages his own success so well," the former Formula One driver told De Telegraaf. "Whether he has collected one, two or who knows 10 world titles: he always remains the same person. A young man who can talk about racing with so much passion. He is not suddenly going to behave differently."

In other areas, however, Verstappen has changed considerably, Lammers agrees. Whereas last season Verstappen was still able to put the necessary risk in his races to stay ahead of his then rival Lewis Hamilton, this year he has been a lot more controlled on the track.

"Sometimes you have to give in a little bit at the beginning of the race, to cross the line at the end and score points. His focus now is more on the finish than on the start and the first few laps. He has become not so much faster or better, but even more effective."

Verstappen proved himself at Dutch GP

Lammers believes the Zandvoort Grand Prix exemplifies the new Verstappen. The Red Bull Racing driver faced a lot of pressure from his compatriots during the race weekend, but managed to keep his cool and ultimately take victory convincingly.