Verstappen feels 'more respect' of fellow F1 drivers

Max Verstappen says he is steadily earning the respect of his fellow F1 drivers. When the season began, the sport was collectively sceptical of the 17-year-old Dutchman as he smashed the record to become the youngest ever grand prix driver.

But in his first four grands prix, Verstappen has also become the youngest ever points scorer, won praise for his daring overtaking moves and impressed with his obvious maturity in dealing with engineers and the international media. And he told Germany's Welt newspaper that he is also earning the respect of his fellow drivers.

"They do have more respect for me," said Verstappen. "I can feel it quite clearly. They shake my hand, they stop when they see me to say I did a good race. It shows me that I am on the right track. I think many of them have probably realised that in the end your age is not what is important, only your racing skills."

Verstappen may now be forgiven for thinking that, like his predecessor Daniil Kvyat, he might already have done enough to convince Red Bull to promote him up the grid. "That is hypothetical," he insists. "My focus at the moment is to be as successful as possible. What comes after that, we'll see. I'm not here to dream about the future, my job is to do my best right now." (GMM)

Replies (0)

Login to reply

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2026

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
6 - Mar 8
Australia
13 - Mar 15
China
27 - Mar 29
Japan
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
1 - May 3
United States of America
22 - May 24
Canada
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
12 - Jun 14
Spain
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
10 - Apr 12
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
5 - Jun 7
Monaco Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team Red Bull Racing
  • Points 3,453
  • Podiums 127
  • Grand Prix 235
  • Country NL
  • Date of b. Sep 30 1997 (28)
  • Place of b. Hasselt (Belgie), NL
  • Weight 70 kg
  • Length 1.8 m
Show full profile
show sidebar