Schumacher doubts Verstappen: 'I think it is still a bit premature'

Max Verstappen managed to secure his second career world title in the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday. The Dutchman seems to have everything he needs to hunt for the records of Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher, who were both good for seven world titles in the coming years. However, Ralf Schumacher does not yet dare to say whether this will succeed, he states in his column on Sky Sports Deutschland.

Schumacher has been impressed by the way Verstappen won his second world championship. The Dutchman dominated the entire season, keeping the competition behind him with childlike ease. Still, he does not yet know how far the Red Bull driver can go.

"He is only 25 years old, but I think it is still a bit premature to think whether he can take the records of Lewis Hamilton and Michael," Schumacher stated. "I don't think Verstappen is aiming for that yet either. That is still a long way off."

The former Formula One driver does think Verstappen has the potential. "In terms of driving ability, of course he can definitely do it, there's no doubt about that. But we also know that in Formula 1 it depends on factors that the driver cannot always influence."

Remarkably, Schumacher did not see the reigning world champion opening the season particularly well at the beginning of the year. Schumacher watched with admiration as Verstappen then fought back and managed to beat Charles Leclerc.