But Gerhard Berger already believes the Dutchman has usurped all before him in motorsport, having praised his constant commitment to racing.
The 10-time grand prix winner told Austrian publication, Krone: “He simply lives with every fibre of his body for his sport, for Formula 1. That is his passion, which is why, for me, he is the world's best racing driver of all time.”
Max Verstappen celebrates another triumph in 2023 with girlfriend Kelly PiquetMax Verstappen won 19 races over the course of the 2023 Formula 1 seasonGerhard Berger already believes Max Verstappen is one of the greatest
Shades of Senna and Schumacher
When questioned on whether Verstappen would now take it easy following a near-perfect campaign, the ex-McLaren and Ferrari driver – who was a team-mate of the great Ayrton Senna at the former – was left in little doubt how the world champion would be approaching the winter break.
“Never in my life! Max is a racing driver who always gives 120 per cent,” he added.
“Just like Senna or [Michael] Schumacher used to be or [Lewis] Hamilton is now. I'm convinced that Max is already back in the simulator and playing with all his racing cars.
Verstappen will be a huge favourite again to win the world championship at the start of next season, with Red Bull long having stopped developing the all-conquering RB19 during 2023 to focus on their challenger for the upcoming campaign.