“Young Gentleman” Max Verstappen Named the Biggest Threat on the F1 Grid in Warning to Lewis Hamilton & Co: “You Don’t Want to Be…”

One of the best young talents in the world, Max Verstappen, is a double world champion at just 25 years old. Moreover, the Dutch driver is just beginning his dominance at the pinnacle of motorsport. After a sublime season with Red Bull, it’s tough to see the Dutch Lion losing his hold in the near future. The Red Bull driver also earned the praise of a former double-world champion in the process.

Max Verstappen displayed his dominance as he clinched his second world title with 4 races remaining on the calendar. The Dutchman has won an astonishing 14 races out of a possible 20 so far. Moreover, some of his blistering performances like the one in Spa have been compared to former greats like Michael Schumacher.

Mika Hakkinen was full of praise regarding Max Verstappen’s performance this year and his rise to the top. Max’s achievements also impressed the former McLaren driver at such a young age.

The Finn said, “Max is still a young gentleman, he’s achieved incredible results even at his young age and is a real fighter out there. When you’re racing against him, you don’t want to be racing against him.”

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Max will be looking to add to his already impressive 14 wins in Brazil. Moreover, the Dutchman has not yet won a race in the South American continent.

Mika Hakkinen believes Max Verstappen will become a “better human” with time

Despite his dominance on the field, Max Verstappen is known to have a short temper and aggressiveness about him. The Dutchman has been involved in many incidents and controversial calls over the years. However, Mika Hakkinen believes that as time passes, Verstappen will develop as a human being and understand the sport better.

Hakkinen said, “Until you learn what this life is all about and racing is all about, it can happen. It’s a very personal thing, how you’re developing as a human. Max is a very aggressive young guy but people just need time. I think when you start winning races and start getting pole positions and fastest laps, you start relaxing.”

He further added, “Relaxing doesn’t mean you don’t go flat-out, but you do think when you need to push and what condition the car is. There’s a little learning curve there coming.”

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After clinching his second title, Max Verstappen will now set his sights on winning the treble with Red Bull. However, it might not be as simple as this year after the FIA imposed penalties on Red Bull for breaching the cost cap last year. Can Ma Verstappen and Red Bull defend their crown next year?