Max Verstappen: Lewis is obviously a great driver, but I'm here to win

Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 world champion, gave his verdict on the other drivers in a recent interview with Sportsmail.

Verstappen claimed that his Red Bull car for 2023 has improved 'everywhere' and is looking to secure a third consecutive world championship.

Verstappen's rivals wax lyrical about his abilities, with Lando Norris, who is out of the title picture at McLaren, describing Verstappen's talent as 'insane.'

Verstappen is also well-liked by other drivers for being one of the boys and uncomplicated.

He opened up about his driving style, which he finds hard to answer because he adapts to the car and tracks' limits he is driving.

Verstappen's ability to jump straight into the cockpit and ring the life out of his machinery, as he did by going more than two seconds faster than the rest on his first lap in pre-season testing, is remarkable.

When asked if he is a braver driver than others, Verstappen replied, "No, I never think of being brave. I feel confident, and if I feel confident in what I have around me, I can maybe brake a little later."

"But you can sometimes have the best driver in a poor car, one that is not capable of braking later."

Although he is only 25, Verstappen has spoken of possibly retiring from Formula 1 when his £40million-a-year deal with Red Bull expires in his early-30s to spend more time involved in other branches of motorsport, as well as with family and friends.

Verstappen's relationship with other drivers on the grid is positive. Although a villain in many English eyes for being the beneficiary of the officiating that cost Lewis Hamilton the title in 2021, Verstappen is liked for being one of the boys, uncomplicated and unvarnished.

Hamilton spent last season avoiding using 'he' and 'him' when asked about Verstappen, preferring 'they' and 'them,' transferring credit from man to team.

When asked about his former rival for the championship, Lewis Hamilton, Verstappen was respectful but confident.

"I think Lewis is obviously a great driver," Verstappen said. "He's won seven championships, so you have to respect that. But at the end of the day, I'm here to win. I'm not here to finish second."

Verstappen also spoke about his relationship with Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, with whom he has had a number of on-track battles in recent years.

"I have a lot of respect for Charles," Verstappen said. "He's a great driver and he's really quick. We've had some good battles on track, and I think that's good for the sport."

"But at the same time, we both know that when we're out there, we're fighting for every inch. It's all part of the game."

Verstappen's adaptability in the car and his ability to jump straight into the cockpit and ring the life out of his machinery is something to be admired.

As the season opener at Bahrain approaches, many believe that Verstappen has the advantage in securing his third consecutive world championship.

Despite being a villain in many English eyes, Verstappen is well-liked by other drivers for being uncomplicated and unvarnished.