Former Method 1 crew principal Otmar Szafnauer believes Max Verstappen is constant to enhance and has nonetheless not reached his peak efficiency.
Throughout an episode of the Excessive Efficiency Racing podcast alongside host Jake Humphrey and former Ferrari race engineer Rob Smedley, Szafnauer mentioned the standout drivers he has encountered throughout his profession within the paddock.
When Humphrey prompted the panel to call the best drivers they’d labored alongside and competed in opposition to, Szafnauer named four-time champion Sebastian Vettel as the perfect driver he had labored with earlier than turning his consideration to the fiercest rivals he had confronted whereas on the pitwall.
„Biggest I labored with, Vettel. Biggest I went up in opposition to, powerful both Michael [Schumacher] or Lewis [Hamilton],“ Szafnauer defined.
When requested why he did not take into account four-time champion Verstappen, he added: „Properly, I do not suppose Max is at his peak but. I believe he’ll get higher.“
Verstappen at the moment sits sixth within the drivers‘ standings with 109 factors, 110 factors behind championship chief Kimi Antonelli. Whereas rumours have linked Verstappen to retirement or a transfer to both Mercedes or McLaren, the Dutchman has confirmed his dedication to Purple Bull.
Otmar Szafnauer
Picture by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Pictures through Getty Pictures
The 28-year-old driver signed a contract extension that may preserve him with the Milton Keynes outfit till the top of 2030. Verstappen defined in a Q&A session following the contract announcement that he hopes to proceed profitable races and championships with the crew.
„It is like a second household for me,“ Verstappen defined. „And naturally, I got here into this crew hoping for, you understand, with the ability to win races and that we’ve got received 4 titles collectively.
„Plus, after all, working once more in the direction of that aim. It is one thing that may be very thrilling. That is why I really feel at dwelling right here. „I am simply very proud of the extension. I hope the crew is as properly. I am very completely satisfied. Hopefully, we are able to simply preserve working collectively and attempt to get again to the highest.“
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