Max Verstappen reacts as Ross Brawn compares Red Bull star to F1 icon Michael Schumacher
Max Verstappen has been hailed by F1 chief Ross Brawn in a comparison with the legendary Michael Schumacher.
Spanish Grand Prix preview at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
Max Verstappen insists he's focussed on forging his own path rather than emulating the career of F1 legend Michael Schumacher. The Red Bull star picked up his first win of the 2020 campaign as F1 celebrated 70 years of racing at Silverstone last weekend.
Verstappen is the leading light of a new generation of drivers hoping to catch reigning champion Lewis Hamilton's crown when he's dethroned.
The Dutchman has been compared to greats of yesteryear throughout his career and F1 managing director Ross Brawn can see similarities between him and Schumacher.
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Brawn knows all about the seven-time champion having played a key role in the immense success he enjoyed at Benetton and Ferrari.
While Verstappen is flattered to have been compared to Schumacher, he insists he just wants to be himself out on track.
"It was of course very nice but I don't like to compare myself to anyone because I'm myself and I'm a different driver," Verstappen told CNN.
"Of course, you can always get some similar attitudes or whatever, or you can get compared sometimes but, from my side, I never do that. I just want to be myself."
Verstappen's comments come after Brawn compared him to Schumacher in the wake of his victory at this month's 70th Anniversary Grand Prix.
"Max was simply sensational at Silverstone," said Brawn. "He reminds me of Michael Schumacher in many ways."
Brawn revealed he believes Verstappen has matured over the years to become an "exceptional racing driver".
Verstappen admits his experience has aided his development, which has seen him tipped to become a multiple-time F1 champion.
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"[I'm] more relaxed, more consistent and know how to build up a weekend and stuff like that," said Verstappen. "I just feel very comfortable.
"I'm a very relaxed person anyway so, for me, it was never really super high pressure, but I am more relaxed in a way that I know what's coming.
"I have experienced a lot already so going to a weekend, I mean, I'm excited to be racing, but I don't get excited a lot by other stuff surrounding it because you've experienced so many different emotions throughout the whole weekend and the year."
Verstappen will be back in action on Sunday as Red Bull look to close the gap on Mercedes at the Spanish Grand Prix.
The 22-year-old is currently second in the drivers' standings, 30 points adrift of leader Hamilton, after five races.
Red Bull are second in the World Constructors' Championship table ahead of the showdown at the Circuit de Catalunya.
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