F1 | van der Garde: “Verstappen has grown a lot, he can handle the comparison with Hamilton”

The crescendo ending of 2017 could become an important launching pad for Max Verstappen ahead of next season. The pilot of the Red Bull, after a first half of the championship marked by numerous retirements, he won two of the last six races, bringing the media attention, and that of his rivals on the track, back to himself. The former Formula 1 driver Giedo van der Garde commented on Verstappen's constant progression thus: “I think Max has grown up a lot like person, because he had to deal with all those disappointments on the track. Plus I think he's grown considerably as a driver. In qualification has taken the most important step forward”.

Red Bull's competitiveness permitting, Verstappen might even be able to hold his own Lewis Hamilton: “Hamilton is obviously a good driver, as we've seen again this year, but I think Max can handle the comparison with him" – concluded Van der Garde.

Federico Martino