Sebastian Vettel Highlights Max Verstappen's 'Scary' Growth and Title Advantage

Sebastian Vettel believes Max Verstappen's continuous improvement and hunger to learn are 'scary,' making him an even more formidable competitor in Formula 1. Despite being a four-time champion himself, Verstappen is arguably having his best season yet, battling McLaren drivers for a record-equaling fifth consecutive title.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen's relentless pursuit of perfection, even after multiple championships, underscores his dominance and mental fortitude. As he vies for another title against Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who are seeking their first, Verstappen's experience and unwavering focus could be the decisive factor in a tight championship battle.

The Details:

• Verstappen's Improvement: Vettel, a four-time F1 champion, notes that Verstappen is 'getting better' despite already being considered one of the sport's greats. His willingness to learn and improve, even at his current level, is a key differentiator.
• Work Ethic: Vettel attributes Verstappen's strength not just to talent but also to his intense work ethic behind the scenes, which fuels his continuous growth.
• Mental Strength: According to Vettel, Verstappen's 'key ingredient' is his mental approach. He excels in high-pressure situations, rarely makes mistakes, and can compartmentalize pressure to focus on performance.
• Title Race Experience: Verstappen's past experience in a grueling 2021 title fight against Lewis Hamilton provides him with a significant advantage over Norris and Piastri, who are both new to championship contention.
• Relief of the First Title: Vettel explains that winning the first championship brings immense relief, affirming a driver's capability. This experience liberates drivers from the need to prove themselves, allowing them to focus purely on performance.

The Big Picture:

Verstappen's track record is staggering: three consecutive titles since 2021, 49 race wins, and a record 19 victories out of 22 races in 2023. This consistency and success have forged a champion who is not only incredibly talented but also mentally unshakeable. While Norris and Piastri are formidable talents, Verstappen's 'been there, done that' mentality could be crucial as the season progresses.

What's next:

With the championship battle tightening, Verstappen's ability to 'just do everything perfect' under pressure, as highlighted by Vettel, will be tested. His experience in high-stakes title fights will likely play a significant role as he navigates the remainder of the season against his younger, less experienced rivals. If his continued improvement and mental strength hold true, Verstappen is poised to make a strong bid for an unprecedented fifth consecutive title.