Former team boss Verstappen: 'He is now the best driver'

Franz Tost was Max Verstappen's first-team boss in Formula 1. In an interview with the NOS Tost is full of praise about the Dutchman.

Verstappen officially joined the team of Toro Rosso in 2015, but Tost soon had to give him up in 2016 when Verstappen went to Red Bull Racing. The team boss is not surprised that the Dutchman is performing so well this season.

"I'm not surprised at all. Max has learned a lot over the last few years and now has the level that is championship-worthy. Last season was crucial. I saw him become a lot more mature as a racer then. He sees through and oversees everything better than before, is mentally stronger and plays the game better psychologically," Tost told NOS.

According to the team boss, Verstappen has learned a lot since his time at Toro Rosso. "Max now knows when to drive aggressively and when not to. He now understands that getting the black and white checkered flag is sometimes more important than winning," he says.

"Of course he'll never be overjoyed to finish second or third, but if someone else is really faster you have to resign yourself to a podium finish. Otherwise, you're wasting energy. He has learned that and that is important if you want to be champion. I think Max is the best driver now. He has passed them all," said Tost.