Otmar Szafnauer believes Max Verstappen is still improving
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 20, 2026, 9:22 PM
Last updated Aug 20, 2026
Former Formula 1 team principal Otmar Szafnauer stated that Max Verstappen has yet to reach his peak performance. In a recent podcast, Szafnauer discussed the standout drivers from his career and noted Verstappen's current status as sixth in the drivers' standings, trailing Kimi Antonelli by 110 points. Despite speculation about his future, Verstappen has committed to Red Bull Racing through 2030, expressing his desire to continue winning with the team. Szafnauer ranked Sebastian Vettel as the best driver he's worked with, placing Verstappen's peak potential yet to be realized.
- •Otmar Szafnauer believes Verstappen is still improving.
- •Verstappen is sixth in the current drivers' standings.
- •He is 110 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli.
- •Verstappen signed a contract extension with Red Bull until 2030.
- •Szafnauer ranked Vettel as the best driver he has worked with.
- 9:22 PMMotorsport.com — Max Verstappen is yet to reach his peak, says former F1 team boss
- 9:22 PMYahoo Sports — Max Verstappen is yet to reach his peak, says former F1 team boss
"Former Formula 1 team principal Otmar Szafnauer believes Max Verstappen is continuing to improve and has still not reached his peak performance. During an episode of the High Performance Racing podcast alongside host Jake Humphrey and former Ferrari race engineer Rob Smedley, Szafnauer discussed the standout drivers he has encountered during his career in the paddock. When Humphrey prompted ...Keep reading
"Otmar Szafnauer believes Max Verstappen is still improving and has yet to reach his peak despite already winning four F1 championships
Sources
External links- Motorsport.comAug 20, 2026, 9:22 PMMax Verstappen is yet to reach his peak, says former F1 team boss
Former Formula 1 team principal Otmar Szafnauer believes Max Verstappen is continuing to improve and has still not reached his peak performance. During an episode of the High Performance Racing podcast alongside host Jake Humphrey and former Ferrari race engineer Rob Smedley, Szafnauer discussed the standout drivers he has encountered during his career in the paddock. When Humphrey prompted ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsAug 20, 2026, 9:22 PMMax Verstappen is yet to reach his peak, says former F1 team boss
Otmar Szafnauer believes Max Verstappen is still improving and has yet to reach his peak despite already winning four F1 championships
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