F1 World Drivers’ Championship
Venue: Monaco Dates: 24-27 November Coverage: Live coverage of qualifying and the race on BBC TV, Red Button, Connected TVs, online, Radio 5 live and 5 live sports extra plus highlights on BBC Two and online
Formula 1 rookie Max Verstappen has said he is not a Michael Schumacher but backed the seven-time champion’s achievements.
The 20-year-old Dutchman – who joined Mercedes in place of teammate Lewis Hamilton for this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix – made his Formula 1 debut three years ago.
Media playback is not supported on this device ‘It was really crazy’ – Verstappen’s debut
“I don’t see myself as a Michael Schumacher, but he is incredible.
“I will watch his titles and that he won his races all the time,” he said.
“I was made in a different era, I don’t have any comparisons like that.”
Verstappen moved to the UK at the age of 16 and, while aware of the impact that Schumacher has had on Formula 1, he preferred to describe himself as a “young guy” who wants to start his career with “a really good and clear mentality.”
He added: “I don’t look back and worry about comparisons. I’m going to try to do my best. I want to win races, try to win races and get sponsors from there.
“And at the end I want to be with one of the top teams and then that’s the next step.
“A lot of people can talk about the future and who they think can be the next Michael Schumacher, but I never go there.”