Former System 1 workforce principal Otmar Szafnauer believes Max Verstappen is continuous to enhance and has nonetheless not reached his peak efficiency.
Throughout an episode of the Excessive Efficiency Racing podcast alongside host Jake Humphrey and former Ferrari race engineer Rob Smedley, Szafnauer mentioned the standout drivers he has encountered throughout his profession within the paddock.
When Humphrey prompted the panel to call the best drivers that they had labored alongside and competed in opposition to, Szafnauer named four-time champion Sebastian Vettel as the perfect driver he had labored with earlier than turning his consideration to the fiercest rivals he had confronted whereas on the pitwall.
“Best I labored with, Vettel. Best I went up in opposition to, powerful both Michael [Schumacher] or Lewis [Hamilton],” Szafnauer defined.
When requested why he did not contemplate four-time champion Verstappen, he added: “Effectively, I do not assume Max is at his peak but. I believe he will get higher.”
Verstappen presently sits sixth within the drivers’ standings with 109 factors, 110 factors behind championship chief Kimi Antonelli. Whereas rumours have linked Verstappen to retirement or a transfer to both Mercedes or McLaren, the Dutchman has confirmed his dedication to Pink Bull.
Otmar Szafnauer
Photograph by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Photos through Getty Photos
The 28-year-old driver signed a contract extension that can hold him with the Milton Keynes outfit till the tip of 2030. Verstappen defined in a Q&A session following the contract announcement that he hopes to proceed successful races and championships with the workforce.
“It is like a second household for me,” Verstappen defined. “And naturally, I got here into this workforce hoping for, you realize, having the ability to win races and that we have now gained 4 titles collectively.
“Plus, after all, working once more in the direction of that objective. It is one thing that could be very thrilling. That is why I really feel at residence right here. “I am simply very pleased with the extension. I hope the workforce is as effectively. I am very pleased. Hopefully, we are able to simply hold working collectively and attempt to get again to the highest.”
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