Adrian Newey has praised Max Verstappen, praising his “maturity” and ability to shut out outside noise.
Verstappen is already one of F1’s most successful drivers.
He has four world titles, only Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton and Juan Manuel Fangio have more.
Verstappen moved up to third in the podium rankings after the Mexico City Grand Prix, behind Hamilton and Schumacher.
The Dutchman won all four titles on Newey-designed cars.
Verstappen defeated Hamilton in the controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to win the 2021 title.
After that, he won two overwhelming championships in 2022 and 2023, running away with both titles.
His 2024 season was perhaps his most impressive, as he held off McLaren’s late-season onslaught to win the championship.
Newey explained what makes Verstappen different from other drivers.
“In hindsight, Max is definitely outstanding as well. He didn’t have an easy upbringing, I don’t think it’s a secret, but his maturity is amazing,” Newey said.
“His ability to deal with pressure and absorb pressure. No matter what happens in life, he seems to have that ability. When he puts on his helmet and gets in the car, all the noise is turned off and he can just go out and race. I think that’s very impressive for a sportsman.”
Senna was ‘outstanding’
Newey also named Ayrton Senna as one of the outstanding drivers he has worked with.
Senna joined Williams for the 1994 F1 season.
Due to the Brazilian’s tragic accident at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, Newey did not have the opportunity to work with Senna for long.
Reflecting on his time working with the three-time world champion, Newey said:
“Unfortunately, my relationship with Ayrton was very short-lived, so what really impressed me was when we talked about how the driver had interests outside of what he usually does.
“Ayrton, he came to the factory for the first time in late 1993, when I was at Williams, and I was given the privilege of showing Ayrton around the factory by Frank (Williams) and Patrick (the manager).
“So as soon as he got to the wind tunnel, he got down on his hands and knees and looked behind the rear suspension and noticed that it was a little bit different than anything he’d done before, and he asked why we did this, why we did that, what the purpose of this was, all that stuff.
“I always had to be on my toes to answer his questions. So I think Ayrton definitely stood out.”