Verstappen Best Young Driver: Lauda

Former F1 champion Niki Lauda has dubbed Max Verstappen Best young driver that he has seen’. However, it has not been an easy journey for the Dutchman. Verstappen did not have a chance to showcase his talents this season given the string of retirements he has suffered. Now, he is in a situation where he does not want the campaign to end after two wins in the last five races.

Verstappen had been linked with a move away to either Mercedes and Ferrari, yet he decided to extend his stay through to the end of the 2020 season at Red Bull. But that has not stopped the Mercedes non-executive chairman from declaring himself a big fan of his talents.

Lauda said “In all my many years in motor racing, Max is the most fantastic young driver I’ve ever seen, no doubt. Max, at 19, now 20, impresses me. He is aggressive, fast. The only thing I would tell him is to keep his feet on the ground.”

Lauda concluded that if Verstappen can keep his temperament in check, he can go on to be remember as one of the all-time greats of the sport. He added: “He has a tendency to lose control of himself, but if he masters those impulses he can be one of the greatest drivers F1 has ever known.” Coming from a legend of Lauda’s calibre, calling a driver like Max Verstappen Best young driver is a huge compliment.

The 2017 F1 season will draw to a close at this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. For the 2018 season, a number of changes are in store for all teams. It will be Felipe Massa’s final race and F1’s final race before the infamous HALO is introduced to all cars.

But we are looking too far ahead, with the championship already wrapped up, the gloves are off. Lewis Hamilton will be keen to end the season with a win, Sebastian Vettel will be looking to regain momentum. Max Verstappen will be aiming to extend his glorious run, Valtteri Bottas will be looking to end the season on a high. Kimi Raikkonen and Daniel Ricciardo will be looking to spoil the party. So who will win in Abu Dhabi? place your wagers.