Verstappen's perfect race making him a star in Brazil - Barrichello

Rubens Barrichello has talked up the combination of Max Verstappen and Red Bull with high potential for 2020 after a perfect Brazilian Grand Prix for the Dutchman.

Verstappen won from pole at Interlagos, wiping out some of the heartbreak from the same race the previous year, dominating a race which unfolded into utter chaos behind him.

The Red Bull star's fearsome driving style and unfiltered approach to his media duties have drawn comparisons with Brazilian racing icon Ayrton Senna.

And Barrichello says Verstappen is already well on his way to securing favourite status in Brazil.

"Max is an aggressive driver. People think that he is crazy," Barrichello told De Telegraaf. "He is also very outspoken. He says what he thinks. All this makes him a very popular driver in Brazil.

"It was actually a matter of time before Max would win in Brazil.

"Max drove incredibly fast. Seen over the entire weekend, he scored a 10 out of 10."

Verstappen and Red Bull's late-season form is typical of recent years, although the team has often struggled to maintain momentum heading into new seasons.

Barrichello has backed Red Bull to give Verstappen the car to finally challenge for a championship, suggesting the difference-maker will be Honda's power unit.

"The combination with Honda has proven to be a good one," said Barrichello. "I have no doubt that Red Bull is going to build another good car, but every year is different in F1. It is always a question of whether a car is actually capable of winning the championship."

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