Ecclestone enjoys Verstappen: 'Max doesn't play games'

Bernie Ecclestone is enjoying Max Verstappen. According to the former Formula 1 boss, the Dutchman has shown in recent years that he is there for one reason only: to win.

Ecclestone has been a fan of Verstappen from day one. The Brit knows that in Verstappen, F1 has found an outspoken personality who is mainly focused on winning. Whereas other champions in the past were sometimes preoccupied with other things, Ecclestone does not see the two-time world champion getting distracted.

''Max doesn't play games. He's there to win races and win the world championship and he's doing just that. Nothing is stopping him from doing what he wants to do,'' Ecclestone said in conversation with the German RTL. Still, Ecclestone knows better than anyone that Verstappen will continue to depend on his equipment in the coming years.

''Whether he will win more titles depends on whether the team really improves. All the guys who win the World Cup have to rely on the team. If they don't have the support of the team, they won't make it. If he keeps that up, the team will continue to support him and there's nothing stopping them from continuing to win. Everything is good at the moment and there is no reason why it shouldn't get better,'' said 92-year-old.

At the moment, things are looking good for Verstappen and Red Bull Racing and, given the regulations that remain the same, Ecclestone sees no reason why the Dutchman can continue the current streak. Ecclestone also sees Verstappen winning the Grands Prix of Brazil and Abu Dhabi, which would bring the record number of wins to 16.