Button singles out Verstappen as 'most talented driver' in F1

Jenson Button is a self-proclaimed big fan of Lewis Hamilton, but the 2009 F1 world champion feels compelled to single out Max Verstappen as the most talented driver on the current grid.

Verstappen celebrated at the Spanish Grand Prix his 100th race with Red Bull, having won his first ever race with the Milton Keynes-based squad precisely at the Circuit de Catalunya in 2016, becoming on that memorable occasion the sport's youngest winner at 18 years and 228 days.

Since, the Dutchman has added ten more wins to his track record, but his equipment hasn't allowed him over the years to consistently challenge the mighty Mercedes team and his arch-rival Lewis Hamilton.

But Red Bull's level of performance this season could allow its star driver to finally give the Briton a real run for his money over the duration of the 2021 campaign.

"Max is immensely talented," said Button. "If you look at the sheer talent, Max Verstappen is probably the most talented driver of all.

"I know a lot of people will disagree with me, but hey, this is just my opinion."

• Read also: Mercedes 'has to move on' from Bottas - Button

Hamilton currently has the upper hand over Verstappen, having won three of the four races held so far this season while the Red Bull charger prevailed in the Emilia Romagna GP at Imola.

But Button, who raced alongside Hamilton for three seasons at McLaren, from 2010 to 2013, still holds his former teammate in the highest regard.

"The most complete driver, if you count the experience and the way he races, is Lewis Hamilton," he added.

"But in terms of pure talent, I really end up with Max."

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