FORMULA 1

an incident during one race and mocked Vettel’s frustration because of his difficult season with Ferrari. Arguing with a four-time F1 champion? No problem.

All this and Verstappen is still only 19.

There is little doubt that Verstappen is the future of F1. With three-time champion Lewis Hamilton into his 30s and Vettel turning 30 in July, F1 will be counting heavily on Verstappen in the years to come. Even more so as it seeks to flourish in a digitally-focused, social media era under

its new American ownership.

Verstappen is also massively ambitious.

“Wishing to become world champion is too easy. You also need to fight for it,” he said Sunday on his personal website. “I just want the best car and the rest is up to you.”

Verstappen is not known for his modesty. Others might say he has unshakeable belief that he can win the F1 title already.

Perhaps he can, but Red Bull may not yet have a quick enough car for him.

“It’s hard to say. Personally, I think that we aren’t the best team yet, but we need to wait and see,” Verstappen said. “After qualifying in Australia we will be able to see how it is, based purely on speed. In any case, we are not heading off to Melbourne with the thought of being able to take pole (position).”

Verstappen also has his own teammate to contend with.

Australian Daniel Ricciardo showed glimpses of championship potential last season.

At 27, Ricciardo is entering his prime years and will be confident of adding to his four race wins. In terms of pure speed, he can challenge the best when on form. Ricciardo managed to outpace Mercedes at times last season, securing a brilliant pole position in Monaco.