Vettel reveals the fundamental trait that makes Verstappen 'scary'

08:02, 27 Nov

Updated: 08:03, 27 Nov

byTobia Elia

Sebastian Vettel has been impressed by Max Verstappen’s relentless ability to keep improving, even while already at the peak of his career.

“I think the scary thing is he's getting better”

- Sebastian Vettel

Guesting on the Beyond The Grid podcast, the four-time world champion sees no limits to the Dutchman’s growth: “I think the scary thing is he's getting better. This is his 11th season. We know he's good, but he's still improving. He's still hungry. He's still willing to learn. I think he's working very hard behind the scenes as well. That's hat makes him so strong.”

The former German driver believes that what makes Verstappen so widely admired today, beyond his natural talent, is his mindset — a relentless hunger for victory in every circumstance.

“He is blessed with a lot of talent on top of that. But even if he's one of the most talented drivers on the grid, I think ultimately what makes him so strong—it's always a combination, but the key ingredient is his head. I think it's in the situations where it matters. He keeps his head, hardly ever makes a mistake, delivers when he needs to, feels the pressure.”

Photo: Race Pictures

“We all do. I don't think it's possible—nobody, you don't not feel the pressure. But he's able to find a space in his head where he's able to put that to the side and focus on what matters.”

Why Vettel’s 2010 miracle proves Verstappen can still claim the title

The four-time world champion — who also had words of praise for the Dutchman — remains the perfect example of how a title fight can be turned on its head, even with a sizeable points deficit and only two races left on the board.

Back in 2010, the German trailed championship leader Fernando Alonso by 25 points heading into the finale, yet still emerged as the victor in Abu Dhabi, capitalising on a botched strategy from the Spaniard and his then-team-mate Mark Webber — now Oscar Piastri’s manager.

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