Whilst some still wonder whether Max Verstappen is ready for F1, Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko compares the youngster to Ayrton Senna.

"He is an exceptional talent that comes along only once in decades..." Marko told the official F1 website.

Asked if he could compare him to anyone, the Austrian replied: "Most likely Ayrton Senna. And in such a case you must not look at his age. He has been talking with people who are experts when it comes to the development of youngsters and they all say that (in terms of) his mind he is more like 22 than 16. And regarding his skills behind the steering wheel, he has been racing since he was four years old - professionally. So we expect him to be competitive from the first race. We are not playing the lottery - we know what we are doing. And success proves us right.

"Mentally he is past 20 years old!" he continued. "We work with him intensively. He will do some Friday runs. Not long ago he did a 400 km test in Italy, he's in the simulator whenever possible and he's working on his physique and psychology with top experts.

"Some things became visible that we will have to address for the 2015 season," he admitted. "Having said that, he is getting the perfect 'schooling' before he gets on the grid."

Verstappen, currently second in the FIA European Formula 3 Championship, with only the Imola and Hockenheim rounds remaining, and who turns 17 next week, will partner 20-year-old Daniil Kvyat next season at Toro Rosso, thereby representing one of the youngest and least experienced driver pairings on the grid.

Chris Balfe

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Stitch431, 29/09/2014 18:44

"@ Chris Balfe

Literally speaking you are of course right. However to whom else than the all time greats would he compare him? It would be a bit absurd if he answered that he is best compared to let's say Maldonado. But this is not the point I was trying to make. I have seen the interview with Max on TV before it was written on his website and his answer was straight from the heart and in my opinion the only right answer in his position. That's all.."

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2. Posted by Editor, 29/09/2014 12:33

"@ Stitch431

The interview on the official F1 website reads...

Q: You’ve been the driving force behind Max Verstappen’s signing with Toro Rosso for next season. What do you expect from someone so young?
HM: He is an exceptional talent that comes along only once in decades…

Q: Can you compare him to anyone?
HM: Most likely Ayrton Senna.

You will note that absolutely no mention is made in terms of your claim... which of the old time greats, Verstappen was to be compared best. Marko was asked if he could compare Max to "anyone""

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3. Posted by Stitch431, 29/09/2014 6:31

"First of all, the comment of Marko was due to a jounalist's question question to which of the old time greats, Verstappen was to be compared best. Second, in a Dutch interview Max was confornted with the comparison by Helmut Marko. This is what he said about it:"That is of course an honor. But I am just starting in formula 1. Senna is Senna and I am me. In the end everyone is himself and a comparison to another is difficult, especially with a greatness like Senna. I will first have to prove myself." Those who have followed him through his career know that Verstappen is good but let's just give him a chance to prove himself. Vettel, Raikkonen, Massa and the likes were also very young when they started out in F1. They did some good things after that and let's be honest, it is better to have a young talent in F1 than an old pay driver without isn't it?"

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4. Posted by Spindoctor, 26/09/2014 15:43

"Ludicrous nonsense. He's obviously on the same "hallucinogens" as Bernie!"

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5. Posted by nonickname, 25/09/2014 16:59

"Me again,
there used to be 2 sports, motor racing and bull fighting....now there is one. I do hope that Alonso can make the change soon."

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6. Posted by nonickname, 25/09/2014 16:56

"Oh dear........in the land of the blind the man with one eye is king, BUT the rest of us are not blind.This one will probably fall foulm of the moderator..."

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7. Posted by Redphyve, 25/09/2014 8:46

"Does anyone trust the opinions of Helmut Marko when it comes to assessing driver talent?

Comparisons to Senna? This soon?

I don't know..."

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8. Posted by MES, 25/09/2014 4:00

"The powers that be in F1 remind me ever more and more of the USA's Republican Party: (to put it politely)
all elderly men, ever increasingly out of touch with reality. Thanks ever so much to them ( and that includes you, Marko!) all for making a mockery of a once beautiful and noble thing that motor racing was, contested by brave an honorable men, the likes of which we'll not see again. I can't even remember the last time I haven't been bored to sleep while trying to make it through a (recording of) F1 weekend. And I feel for you Mr. Balfe, with the magnificent effort you've put forth with this website! To bad you've no Rodrieguezes or Sifferts or Clarks or Hills or Gurneys or Hailwoods et all to report on in this day and age. So Marko, how can you even contemplate the mention of this boy in the same sentence with Senna! Apologies to actual clowns, but the clowns have truly taken over. Only there's nobody laughing, but for perhaps Bernie, on his way to the bank. "

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Marko compares Verstappen to Senna

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