Title: Sebastian Vettel Unleashes Bold Praise for Max Verstappen: “He’s Just Getting Better!”
In the high-octane world of Formula 1, few names resonate as powerfully as Max Verstappen. The Dutch superstar has taken the racing circuit by storm, and his fellow four-time world champion, Sebastian Vettel, is not shy about expressing his admiration. “The scary thing is he’s getting better,” Vettel declared, encapsulating the awe surrounding Verstappen’s relentless pursuit of excellence.
As the dust settles on a gripping 2025 season, Verstappen’s performance stands tall, even amid fierce competition. Driving the Red Bull RB21, which struggled against the superior McLaren MCL39 for much of the year, Verstappen still managed to clinch an astonishing eight wins and eight pole positions. His tenacity was on full display when he clawed back from a staggering 104-point deficit to championship leader Oscar Piastri, ultimately finishing just two points shy of the title against Lando Norris.
Vettel, who shared his insights during an episode of the Beyond The Grid podcast recorded at the Brazilian Grand Prix, showered Verstappen with accolades for his blend of talent and work ethic. “We know he’s good, but he’s still improving, he’s still hungry, he’s still willing to learn,” Vettel emphasized. The former champion highlighted Verstappen’s ability to remain composed under pressure, a trait that sets him apart from his peers. “He hardly ever makes a mistake, delivers when he needs to, feels the pressure – but he’s able to find a space in his head where he can set that aside and focus on what matters,” Vettel noted.
This mental fortitude is particularly evident in how Verstappen has evolved in wheel-to-wheel combat. Vettel remarked on the noticeable maturity in Verstappen’s racing style compared to his earlier years. “He still goes for the impossible gaps and makes them possible, which is great in his skill, but he doesn’t go for all the gaps because he knows they’re not important right now,” the German explained. This strategic approach showcases Verstappen’s growth as a driver, with an uncanny ability to overtake swiftly when necessary while maintaining his composure and patience.
In another segment of the podcast, Vettel also praised Lando Norris, the reigning world champion, for his courageous openness regarding mental health. In an era where vulnerability is often stigmatized, Norris stands out as a beacon of honesty. “It was just a taboo,” Vettel recalled from his own F1 experience, highlighting the historical reluctance to discuss mental health within the sport. “Racing drivers were viewed as machines, and showing weaknesses was simply not accepted.”
Vettel vehemently opposes the outdated notion that athletes must be emotionless. “I think it’s all crap; we are all humans, we all have our problems,” he declared. Celebrating Norris as a role model, Vettel believes that this openness not only resonates within the confines of Formula 1 but also extends beyond the sport, contributing to Norris’s immense popularity.
Yet, not everyone agrees with this progressive outlook. Critics argue that showing vulnerability could undermine a driver’s competitive edge. “Of course, I also see the comments of others criticizing that part, ‘it makes him vulnerable, it’s not good’ – but I strongly disagree,” Vettel asserted, standing firmly by his belief in the importance of mental health awareness.
As the racing season comes to a close, the spotlight shines brightly on both Verstappen and Norris, champions in their own right, pushing the boundaries of not just what it means to be a driver, but what it means to be human in the fast-paced world of Formula 1. The future looks incredibly promising, and if Vettel’s words hold any weight, we can expect to see Verstappen’s star rise even higher in the seasons to come.
