There are only a few racing drivers who make it to the very top of Formula 1. Over the last decade and a half, Sebastian Vettel did it, followed by Lewis Hamilton. And now it is Max Verstappen’s time to shine. So he is shining, like the brightest of diamonds to ever be found on Earth. No other current driver can even dream of matching him in his prime. Hence, Vettel has taken his hat off to the Dutchman but also included a reference to Hamilton’s statement amidst the appreciation.

Red Bull is doing great because their reigning World Champion is doing so. At least that is what Hamilton meant when he said that the Dutchman is solely dominant despite his victories not being as well deserved because of the lack of equally competent teammates. A very well-served jab, albeit uncalled for. Vettel, similarly, in a recent interview applauded Verstappen while stating how there is no competition for him.

“You can only applaud,” Vettel remarked. “The performance of the whole team, but especially that of Max, who is consistent every weekend, is amazing. It’s a level where the competition is way off. You have to acknowledge that and you have to leave it that way. That’s why it’s great that you can experience this.”

Read More: Lewis Hamilton Delivers a Dose of Sarcasm With 1-Word Reply to Disrespectful Fan

We, as fans, may not realize it, but we are witnessing the 2x champ (soon to be 3x) creating history in front of our eyes. Even if you don’t like it, might as well accept it because he has no plans to stay in F1 for very long.

Max Verstappen confirms earlier retirement to work on hidden passion

Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton – 2 drivers who are defying all age-related stereotypes. The Spaniard is racing at his best even at 42 and the Briton intends to do the same with Mercedes. Wouldn’t it be fascinating to see Max Verstappen do the same? As much as it would, the Red Bull racer, unlike Alonso and Hamilton, has already planned an early retirement to focus on another passion.

“No, absolutely not,” Verstappen told Racefans. “No desire. I have my mind already set on what I want to do also outside of Formula 1. It’s a big passion of mine and I want to make that happen as well.”

Watch This Story: Lewis Hamilton Outpaces Fernando Alonso With 1 Standout Quality that Matches Max Verstappen’s Near-perfect Racecraft

He might not race for as long as Hamilton is doing. But by the looks of things, he might overtake the 7x champ in accolade collection before he retires.