close global

Welcome to GPFans

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

  • NL
  • GB
  • IT
  • ES-MX
  • US
  • GB

Are you a F1 Fan? Follow GP Fans

Edition

NL GB IT ES-MX US
Max Verstappen

'Mature' Verstappen the clear favourite for title - Chandhok

Max Verstappen — Photo: © LAT Images

'Mature' Verstappen the clear favourite for title - Chandhok

Is there anybody who can deny Verstappen a third title?

Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok believes Max Verstappen's newfound maturity will make the Dutchman "very hard to beat".

The Red Bull driver enters the new campaign off the back of two world titles, the second of which was secured in dominant fashion as Verstappen broke the record for number of wins in a season with 15, beating Charles Leclerc by 146 points.

The new RB19 looked ominously settled and quick during the Bahrain pre-season test, with Verstappen topping the timesheets in two of the three sessions he was behind the wheel.

READ MORE: Hamilton and Verstappen RIDICULED over F1 ban stance

The third session saw Verstappen beaten only by Zhou Guanyu, who posted a late 'glory lap' to steal the session for Alfa Romeo.

Addressing the state of play ahead of the new season, which begins in Bahrain this weekend, Chandhok outlined Verstappen as the drivers' championship favourite.

New degree of maturity

"I think it is the first year Max heads into the season as the clear favourite," Chandhok told Sky Sports F1.

"Last year, there were so many unknowns with the new regulations, he is now a double world champion and he drive superbly last year with a new degree of maturity and experience.

"I think he has taken up that mantle as the favourite going into this year and they are going to be very hard to beat."

READ MORE: March's key F1 diary dates

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Kelly Piquet emotional with Max Verstappen: 'I had no idea this was possible'

Kelly Piquet emotional with Max Verstappen: 'I had no idea this was possible'

  • 1 hour ago
When Susie met Toto: 'Instant attraction' and why she risked it all

When Susie met Toto: 'Instant attraction' and why she risked it all

  • 2 hours ago
'I've had my time' - Lewis Hamilton's F1 retirement advice

'I've had my time' - Lewis Hamilton's F1 retirement advice

  • 3 hours ago
Max Verstappen to McLaren latest as insider says one key fact will decide F1 megadeal

Max Verstappen to McLaren latest as insider says one key fact will decide F1 megadeal

  • Yesterday 20:25
Toto Wolff has 'ace up his sleeve' for Mercedes F1 dynasty

Toto Wolff has 'ace up his sleeve' for Mercedes F1 dynasty

  • Yesterday 19:55
Red Bull chief tells McLaren 'We're going to keep him' as Lambiase saga drags on

Red Bull chief tells McLaren 'We're going to keep him' as Lambiase saga drags on

  • Yesterday 18:57

Just in

28-4
Kelly Piquet emotional with Max Verstappen: 'I had no idea this was possible'
28-4
When Susie met Toto: 'Instant attraction' and why she risked it all
28-4
'I've had my time' - Lewis Hamilton's F1 retirement advice
28-4
Max Verstappen to McLaren latest as insider says one key fact will decide F1 megadeal
28-4
Toto Wolff has 'ace up his sleeve' for Mercedes F1 dynasty
F1 news

Recommended by the editors

When Susie met Toto: 'Instant attraction' and why she risked it all Susie Wolff

When Susie met Toto: 'Instant attraction' and why she risked it all

2 hours ago
Toto Wolff has 'ace up his sleeve' for Mercedes F1 dynasty Mercedes

Toto Wolff has 'ace up his sleeve' for Mercedes F1 dynasty

Yesterday 19:55
Red Bull chief tells McLaren 'We're going to keep him' as Lambiase saga drags on Gianpiero Lambiase

Red Bull chief tells McLaren 'We're going to keep him' as Lambiase saga drags on

Yesterday 18:57
Christian Horner 'allowed' to make F1 return after striking Red Bull deal Christian Horner

Christian Horner 'allowed' to make F1 return after striking Red Bull deal

Yesterday 17:42
Ontdek het op Google Play
x