Otmar Szafnauer, the former Formula 1 team principal, claims Max Verstappen has not yet reached his pinnacle, urging the Dutch driver to keep improving.
During a recent High Performance Racing podcast, Szafnauer named Sebastian Vettel the best driver he has worked with while listing Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton as the toughest competitors on the pit‑wall.
When asked why he had not included Verstappen as a four‑time champion, Szafnauer replied that the current rider sits sixth in the standings, 110 points adrift of leader Kimi Antonelli.
Verstappen’s Commitment to Red Bull
The 28‑year‑old confirmed his loyalty to the Milton Keynes outfit, signing a contract that extends to 2030, and described the team as “a second family” that fuels his ambition to reclaim the top spot.
In a post‑announcement Q&A, Verstappen said the extension keeps him “very happy” and that he hopes the partnership will continue to chase victories and another championship.
Current View in the Drivers’ Standings
With 109 points, Verstappen trails the championship leader by 110 points. Rumours about retirement or transfers to Mercedes or McLaren have faded as he affirms his future with Red Bull.
Szafnauer’s observation that Verstappen is still on an upward trajectory signals a continued push for dominance, setting the stage for the 2030 horizon.
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