Max Verstappen is a phenomenally gifted racer but there's one big strength enjoyed by the two-time F1 world champion "that you cannot teach" according to Fernando Alonso.
Verstappen's graduation to Formula 1 with Toro Rosso in 2015 at just 17 years and 166 days – a record for the sport – was in itself a testimony to the Dutchman's remarkable natural ability, part of which he owes to his parents, both racers in their own right in their previous lives.
From his outright speed to his race craft and to his unwavering determination behind the wheel of an F1 car, Verstappen's skills encompass many qualities, but his faculty to adapt on a whim and unlock a car's full potential is a massive strength according to Alonso.
"You cannot teach that," insisted the two-time world champion, quoted by The Race.
"I think it has to come from yourself. There are drivers that they need more time, they need to study more data, they need all the Friday to analyse and compare with a team-mate and slowly make little steps until they are 100% ready for qualifying.
"And there are others that are 100% in FP1. Max is one of those and he has been always like that from go-karts to now. It should not be a surprise for anyone."
Beyond his obvious good genes and a natural talent honed during countless days and thousands of laps on karting tracks, come rain or shine, with the help of his father, Verstappen says his ability to drive on the limit from the get-go, while it perhaps can't be teached, it can be practiced.
"It’s practice as well, and in general understanding what to do," explained Verstappen.
"You can practice it, but you also need to understand what you’re practising. From a young age, my dad has been working a lot with me to try and understand changes on the kart at the time.
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"Because at the end of the day, the mechanics are pretty similar. It just is more advanced in Formula 1. But going out and actually really feeling what is the difference [is important].
"And it’s the same with the car now, in the beginning, what do you have to do to try and go faster? And really try to adapt to that as quickly as possible.
"That’s the same if you’re driving into dry and suddenly it starts raining, you have to adapt really quickly or the other way around. So that’s things you learned from a young age."
Verstappen's underlying adaptive strength applies not only to cars or set-ups, as this year with F1's new-generation ground-effect machines, but also to track or race conditions.
"Some of the drives have been just simply outstanding this year under enormous pressure," says Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.
"He’s just constantly delivered. He’s just grabbed every single opportunity."
Paul Monaghan, Red Bull's chief engineer concurs.
"He’s an exceptional talent," says the Briton.
"Don’t forget that you have to adapt even in a race. You go from new tyres to used tyres, you go from high fuel loads to low fuel, in traffic and out of traffic, safety cars.
"All those things that get thrown at you, he’s not fazed. In Max, maybe we have a truly exceptional driver.
"We’re very blessed, and better work hard and hang on to him and keep him happy, hadn’t we?"
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