Having been just about unstoppable for the reason that early section of the season, it’s onerous to argue towards Verstappen delivering an depth of type like by no means earlier than.
Even Crimson Bull staff boss Christian Horner says there have been occasions when the squad has been stunned at what Verstappen has achieved within the automotive.
“Among the races he is pushed this yr have been so nice that it is exceeded all our expectations,” mentioned Horner, after seeing Verstappen clinch his latest crown in Qatar.
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“I believe Max as a driver has simply continued to evolve, and he is continued to develop. The extent that he is now working and the best way he is in a position to learn races, the best way he is ready to handle tyres, the psychological power that he has within the high-pressure moments, is totally excellent.”
However there’s one man who doesn’t purchase the idea that this yr’s title success is all the way down to a brand new Verstappen – and he’s somebody who maybe is aware of the Dutchman higher than anybody else.
His father Jos Verstappen thinks the true story of the 2023 title cost isn’t a few driver who has lifted his recreation; it’s extra about him having beneath him a automotive that enables him to raised exhibit expertise that has been there for years.
Requested by Autosport if he agreed with views that his son was a distinct driver this yr, Jos Verstappen mentioned: “Not for me. I believe it is the identical Max as three, 4 years in the past.
“Solely the distinction now could be that he has a implausible automotive round him, and he is aware of the individuals who he works with.
Picture by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
The automotive of Max Verstappen, Crimson Bull Racing RB19, 2nd place and 2023 drivers world champion, in Parc Ferme after the Dash race
“I believe that makes it look straightforward. However nonetheless, it’s a must to be there each weekend. And the main points make a distinction.
“For me, if he had this automotive 4 years in the past, I would not say he would win one other 10 races, however for certain, he was very near what we’ve seen now.”
Jos has helped information his son’s profession for many years and is immensely pleased with every little thing that has been achieved in F1.
He says the indicators of his potential had been there proper from the karting days, and he thinks that typically the best way he pulls off wins nearly makes it appear to be a stroll within the park.
“In the previous couple of years of go karting, he had one thing I’d say particular,” he mentioned.
“And you’ll see it nonetheless now. It is unbelievable. I believe with expertise, it makes him higher. It’s the best way he’s residing, and the best way he is doing it, that makes it look very straightforward.”
There may be one other facet that Verstappen Sr. says has not modified both; and that the trustworthy relationship he has together with his son over his efficiency.
Whereas he smiled that “the time is gone” for him to supply recommendation on coping with F1’s challenges, he says there’s nonetheless room for him to talk out if he sees issues he’s not pleased with.
“I inform him what I see,” mentioned Jos. “If he does a manoeuvre I believe was on the restrict, then I’ll inform him.
“That is a very good factor I’ve with him. We’re very trustworthy to one another. Clearly, I believe additionally that helped him come right here [to F1], and I believe you [the media] have skilled that as effectively.
“He’s what he’s. He tells it simple how issues are, and I believe that is a very good factor.”
Picture by: Erik Junius
Max Verstappen, Crimson Bull Racing and father Jos Verstappen
And simply as Jos says having the suitable tools has been important to latest success, so too he thinks that might be a think about defining simply what degree of success Max can go on to attain in F1.
As a former team-mate of Michael Schumacher, Jos Verstappen is effectively positioned to supply opinion on if his son can go to attain as a lot because the seven-time champion.
Requested if he believed Max had the identical focus and want as Schumacher, he mentioned: “Very near that.”
Then pushed on if he might go on to develop into as profitable because the German, Verstappen mentioned: “You might want to have luck that he’s in a very good automotive for the following coming years. You want the tools to do it.
“However I believe, if he has that, he’ll do it.”