Jody Scheckter sees a bit of himself in Verstappen

F1 world champion Jody Scheckter, who won the title with Ferrari in 1979, sees a bit of himself in Dutch teenager Max Verstappen.

Scheckter was only 22-years-old when he made his F1 debut with McLaren in 1972. The South African was perceived as a future bright talent when he kicked off his career in Grand Prix racing.

And like Verstappen, he often found himself on the receiving end of some of his colleagues anger for his aggressive, no-compromise driving.

"Yes, he reminds me of myself in the beginning, although he is perhaps stronger than I was," Scheckter told Italy's La Repubblica.

"I'd also like to say I was like Hamilton, but I had accidents that he never had," added the former F1 star who now owns Laverstoke Park Farm, a prosperous organic food farm.

Verstappen doubts Red Bull can measure up to rivals

Scheckter wouldn't commit to forecasting the outcome of this year's title fight, but one would imagine that his heart is still at Ferrari.

"Vettel is very strong now and also earlier when the cars were different, but three years ago Ricciardo beat him.

"As for Alonso, he is good on the track but he behaves incorrectly, such as his year (2007) at McLaren," Scheckter concluded.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.