Sebastian Vettel, a fellow four-time Formula 1 world champion, expressed his perspective on Max Verstappen, who recently finished an outstanding 2025 season, by stating, “The unsettling aspect is his continuous improvement.”
Even though his Red Bull RB21 was largely outperformed by the McLaren MCL39 throughout this year, Verstappen secured more victories and pole positions than any competitor, achieving eight in each category. Crucially, he managed to overcome a 104-point gap behind championship frontrunner Oscar Piastri following the Dutch Grand Prix, ultimately finishing only two points behind Lando Norris for the championship.
During an appearance on the Beyond The Grid podcast, taped live at the Brazilian Grand Prix, Vettel offered high praise for the Red Bull pilot, highlighting his innate skill, diligent work ethic, and commendable steadiness under pressure.
The German racer elaborated, saying, “While his capabilities are well-recognized, he continues to refine his skills, maintain his drive, and possess a desire for knowledge.” He added, “My belief is that he also dedicates significant effort behind closed doors, which contributes greatly to his strength. Naturally, he is also gifted with immense natural ability, but even as one of the most naturally gifted drivers in the field, I believe his ultimate strength stems from a multifaceted blend of attributes.”
“However, his most vital component is his mental fortitude. During critical moments, he maintains his calm, rarely errs, performs when necessary, and experiences pressure – a universal human trait, as I don’t believe anyone can avoid it – yet he possesses the ability to mentally compartmentalize it, allowing him to concentrate solely on the task at hand.”
Verstappen’s refined approach to close-quarters racing now exemplifies his seasoned mindset, according to Vettel.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Rudy Carezzevoli / Getty Images
“If you compare Max’s maneuvers from his early years or during his initial one, two, three, or four seasons, his current conduct demonstrates significantly greater maturity,” the German added.
“He continues to attempt seemingly unfeasible openings and converts them into successful maneuvers, which is a testament to his remarkable talent. However, he no longer pursues every single opportunity, understanding when they lack immediate importance. Should he need to advance or execute an overtake, he stands out as one of the most efficient at navigating through the pack swiftly. Yet, if he perceives that ‘time is on my side and the urgency is not there,’ he no longer exhibits panic.”
Vettel has additionally expressed admiration for the mental fortitude of 2025 world champion Norris, though in a distinct manner, characterizing him as “brave” for openly discussing his mental wellbeing, even when facing challenging periods.
“Such topics were simply unspoken,” Vettel remembered about his tenure in F1, spanning from 2007 to 2022. “It was perceived as ‘something not to be discussed,’ and indeed, no one spoke about it. This fostered an impression that ‘racing drivers were mechanical, impeccably accurate, devoid of errors, always focused on the race, and never displaying vulnerabilities.’”
“This mindset permeates various sports: avoid revealing weaknesses – presumably because, as you understand, one wouldn’t want to expose them to adversaries, and so on.”
“In my opinion, that’s all nonsense. I believe we are all individuals, each grappling with our own challenges, and it is truly commendable to witness Lando serving as such an exemplary figure within Formula 1, and particularly beyond it. I also believe this contributes significantly to his widespread popularity.”
“Certainly, I observe remarks from others who critique this aspect, claiming ‘it renders him susceptible, it’s disadvantageous’ – yet, I wholeheartedly object to that viewpoint.”
