Ex-Ferrari boss hails Verstappen as Schumacher’s true heir: 'A phenomenon'

The 68-year-old, who was asked about the recent dominance of the Dutch driver, which was halted by Lando Norris’ title win, was quick to highlight how Verstappen boasts the ability to extract maximum performance from a car.

"Don't joke! Max is a phenomenon. You see, there are fifty thousand components in a single-seater. Well, the Dutchman manages to squeeze the best out of every detail," Arrivabene said via Quotidiano Sportivo.

Further pressed about which driver from the previous era he would compare Verstappen to, Arrivabene continued:

Like Schumacher, Verstappen has continued to etch his name firmly into Formula 1’s history books. The 28-year-old has so far claimed four Drivers’ titles and also follows Schumacher on the list of all-time race wins with 71.

The Brescian motorsports chief, in another assessment, threw his support behind current Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.

Arrivabene highlighted how the Italian team need a competitive machinery to perform, before expressing his belief that Leclerc will someday win the Drivers’ Championship crown.

The 68-year-old also opted against criticising the current Ferrari team, led by Fred Vasseur.

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