"They are now both ready to contend seriously for the championship”

In a retrospective and analysis of the eventful Formula 1 season of 2020, racer and Formula 1 expert Tom Coronel gave his view on the season of Verstappen as well as his prediction of a title match between the Dutchman and Lewis Hamilton. 

In his analysis on Motorsport.com Coronel interprets the season of Verstappen as a continuation of the already started developments: Verstappen has become faster, thinks more while overtaking, and less easily makes a mistake. Coronel: "This was the best year ever for Max. You can see that there is an upward trend. You see that mistakes are being made less quickly, you see him still going faster, you see him actually doing things in impossible positions that make you think: 'Huh? Still?'"

Coronel continues: "You still see him overtaking, but still thinking a little more. It makes me think 'You're completely in control', and that's cool to see.”

Title fight

As a logical consequence of the ongoing development of the Dutchman, Coronel quickly expects a sincere battle for the championship between him and Hamilton. Hamilton's attitude towards the Red Bull darling has changed this season, says Coronel. He explains: "I can really see that only one is scared, and you see that all the time because [Hamilton] is only asking for Max. And you can see that the respect is there. It's not like: 'Yes, I'm the cool dude, and who are you, new kid? You still have a lot to learn.' No, there's serious respect now."

This growing respect between the two drivers is a foretaste of the tension that will follow if they can actually compete with each other, Coronel also states. "They are now both ready to compete for a world championship."