Brawn: Verstappen approach is maturing, but speed is intact

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Ross Brawn believes a maturing Max Verstappen has tempered his on-track boldness, but without losing any of his speed or aggression.

Verstappen endured a difficult start to his 2018 season following a series of incidents and mistakes that required a reset of his approach, with more discipline and a little less willingness for risk.

Stabilisation and more consistent results ensued, the Dutchman winning in Austria and Mexico, and outscoring team mate Daniel Ricciardo in the Driver's championship.

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The Aussie's departure has left the 21-year-old as Red Bull's de facto team leader for 2019 alongside new recruit Pierre Gasly, a role that should allow Verstappen to flourish says Brawn.

"It's easy to forget how young he is," says F1's sporting manager.

"If you think of yourself at that age, with the exposure and pressure, what he is doing is pretty special.

"What we are seeing with Max is a great maturing of his approach, losing none of his speed and aggression but just being a bit more tempered in terms of how he attacks things.

"In the right car and right team, he's world champion material for sure. Max will be the known reference in the team in 2019."

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Indeed, thanks to his experience relative to his team mate Verstappen will carry the bulk of his team's weight next season.

"That is always helpful in a team to have that continuity, if you have a troublesome car or you have some things to sort out, knowing the driver, knowing how to qualify what he says is very helpful.

"So, I think it is great for the team," Brawn 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.