Vettel on Hamilton & Verstappen: How Experience Molded Two F1 Greats

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has offered a unique insight into the evolution of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, arguing that experience has transformed both drivers into more mature and strategic competitors. He highlights Hamilton's newfound composure, exemplified by his handling of the 2021 Abu Dhabi controversy, as a stark contrast to his early-career aggression. Similarly, Vettel notes that Verstappen has learned to temper his raw pace, now choosing his moments to attack rather than going for every possible gap.

Why it matters:

Vettel's perspective, as a four-time champion who competed directly against both Hamilton and Verstappen, provides a rare window into the mindset of elite drivers. Understanding how raw talent is honed into strategic mastery is key to grasping what separates a fast driver from a multiple world champion. Their evolution serves as a blueprint for the next generation of F1 talent, illustrating that the final step to greatness is often mental, not just physical.

The details:

• On Hamilton's Maturation: Vettel pointed to Hamilton's handling of the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix finale as a moment of "incredible emotional intelligence and composure," a stark contrast to his younger self.
• The 2007 Comparison: He contrasted this with the "young and innocent" Hamilton of 2007, referencing his audacious first-lap overtake on Fernando Alonso in Australia as a move born from seeing only the immediate opportunity, not the long race ahead.
• Verstappen's Calculated Aggression: Vettel observed that Verstappen, while still capable of making the impossible possible, no longer goes for every gap. He has learned the importance of patience and strategy.
• Strategic Overtaking: The Dutch driver now knows exactly when to unleash his stunning pace to recover positions or make a strategy work, but he also understands when it's better to hold back and not panic.

The big picture:

Vettel's analysis underscores a fundamental truth in Formula 1: raw speed is merely the entry ticket. The journey from a prodigious rookie to a multiple world champion is defined by the ability to harness that talent with patience, emotional control, and strategic foresight. Both Hamilton and Verstappen, in different ways, have completed this evolution, solidifying their status as all-time greats.