Sebastian Vettel is impressed with Max Verstappen’s development (Image: Getty)
has changed his ways, become more mature and ditched his all-or-nothing approach, according to . The Dutchman matched the legend’s feat of four successive Drivers’ Championship titles in Las Vegas on Sunday.
Verstappen ended the Grand Prix in fifth place, but with title rival one place behind him on the road, the job was done, and could celebrate the ultimate honour with their star driver.
The 27-year-old achieved this in spectacular fashion. After a strong five-race run to kick off the campaign, ’s performance evaporated, and – and later – caught and then passed the reigning champions in the development race. Despite winning just one of the last 12 Grands Prix, Verstappen has maintained his championship advantage.
Speaking to NTV, Vettel said: “I’m happy for him, he’s just doing it better than anyone else at the moment. We are also in regular contact and get along well. I think it is a very, very good approach not to use the brute force approach anymore.
“But to keep an overview, and that’s exactly what I mean. I think if you look a little bit out or a little further away – and I can do that these days – then you see things a little bit differently. And even if we have had one or two misunderstandings along the way in the past, that is part of it.”
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Max Verstappen is now a four-time world champion (Image: Getty)
He went on to add: “At the moment, he just managed to keep his head cool and concentrate on what was really important. And he has simply made the most of the last few years. If you look at his career, he has matured extremely.
“Even faster now, but he had that speed from day one. Speed is also something, and talent as I said… you either have it or you don’t. But he is not the only one who has done this, and he has not let it go.
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“What sets him apart now is that he hardly makes any mistakes [and] that he is there in the important moments. All of that actually distinguishes champions in that sense, and the others who try to shake up his tone a little bit don’t really come close.”
In 2025, Verstappen will have an opportunity to match a feat that only Michael Schumacher has achieved – five consecutive Drivers’ Championship titles. However, if he is to defend his crown, will need to unlock some speed before the teams arrive in Melbourne next spring.