'Verstappen is the most fantastic young driver I've ever seen'

'Verstappen is the most fantastic young driver I've ever seen'

Originally written by Joas van Wingerden. This version is a translation.

Thursday 23 November 2017 13:41

Formula One legend Niki Lauda believes that Max Verstappen is the best young driver he has ever seen in his 50-year affiliation with the sport and that he could go on to become one of the best F1 drivers in history if he maintains his current ascendancy.

Verstappen is only 20-years-old but already has three Grand Prix victories in the bag, and enjoys a flourishing reputation in the sport with many F1 figures believing he is destined for many world championships. Lauda is clearly a fan, and thinks the sky is the limit for Verstappen.

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"In all my many years in motor racing, Max is the most fantastic young driver I've ever seen, no doubt," Lauda told Globo Esporte.

"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."

Verstappen made his debut at the Austria Grand Prix for Toro Rosso but just over a season later he had made the step-up to Red Bull where he has continued to impress and has a contract until 2020.

Lauda was full of praise for the young prodigy, but did offer him some advice if he was to realise his full potential and become one of the best ever.

"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."

The final GP of the season takes place this Sunday in Abu Dhabi where Verstappen will be hoping to end the campaign on a high.