Max Verstappen is undoubtedly one of the biggest talents of the current generation of F1 drivers. The young Red Bull star has taken over the sport after winning two back-to-back championship titles.
But even before he won the championship titles, Verstappen had been hyped to take over the world of F1. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko had brought in the young Dutch star to the team and had complete faith in his talents.
After Verstappen’s terrific performance at the 2016 Spanish GP, even Lewis Hamilton‘s mentor Niki Lauda was convinced of the young star’s talents. So much so that the former 3-time world champion, took his infamous cap-off to acknowledge Verstappen’s talents.
“Talent of the century” – Niki Lauda
Verstappen bagged his first Grand Prix at the 2016 Spanish GP after the dominating Mercedes duo of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg took each other out. The race in Barcelona was Verstappen’s first race with the Red Bull F1 team.
Verstappen saw the huge collision between the leaders as a perfect opportunity to deliver an incredible performance. In doing so, the young racer maintained the lead as he kept Kimi Raikkonen at bay.
Speaking after the race, Lauda was asked about his views on Verstappen’s performance. Lauda had nothing to say as he simply tipped his cap off to appreciate Verstappen.
Lauda, who had convinced Hamilton to join the Mercedes team and had also mentored him was left mesmerized by the Red Bull prodigy’s performance. He said, “I have no answer except he’s the talent of the century. I’ve never seen somebody in motorsport who switched teams and went straight to win a Grand Prix. That has never been done before.”
The late great Nicki Lauda on Max Verstappen after Max’s Red Bull debut race when Lauda was advising Mercedes: #MV1 #MV33 pic.twitter.com/uMHHPKf5eO
— Jay (@DDonMax) December 26, 2021
Lewis Hamilton was convinced Lauda didn’t like him
Lauda is one of the most greatest and respected personalities on the F1 grid and he left the entire F1 paddock teary-eyed as he passed away in 2019. The Austrian legend is known for his intense rivalry with James Hunt and for winning 3 championship titles.
Lauda was also the architect behind Mercedes and convinced Hamilton to join the team in 2013. He also mentored the young Briton into becoming the champion that he is today.
But a recent video released by the Mercedes F1 team on their social media revealed that Hamilton said that he thought Lauda did not like him at all. So when got the call from the Austrian legend, Hamilton was taken aback.
