Adrian Newey has heaped praise on Max Verstappen, lauding him for his \u201cmaturity\u201d and ability to shut out external noise.<\/p>\n
Verstappen is already one of F1\u2019s most successful drivers.<\/p>\n
With four world titles, only Michael Schumacher<\/a>, Lewis Hamilton<\/a>, and Juan Manuel Fangio have more.<\/p>\n Verstappen moved into third on the all-time list for podiums following the Mexico City Grand Prix, behind only Hamilton and Schumacher.<\/p>\n The Dutchman has won all four of his titles in Newey-designed machinery.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Verstappen beat Hamilton to the 2021 title, winning the controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.<\/p>\n He then claimed two dominant championships in 2022 and 2023, running away with both titles.<\/p>\n His 2024 campaign was arguably his most impressive, seeing off McLaren\u2019s late-season charge to seal the championship.<\/p>\n Newey explained what sets Verstappen apart from most other drivers.<\/p>\n \u201cMax, now I think, is absolutely outstanding as well. He\u2019s not had the easiest upbringing, I don\u2019t think that\u2019s a secret, but his maturity is amazing,\u201d Newey said.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n \u201cHis ability to handle pressure, soak up pressure, he seems to have this ability where whatever is going on in his life, when he puts that helmet on and gets in the car, all the noise is switched off and he can just go out and race, which is mightily impressive in a sportsman, I think.\u201d<\/p>\n Senna was \u201coutstanding\u201d<\/p>\n Newey also named Ayrton Senna as one of the standout drivers he worked with.<\/p>\n