Verstappen not getting carried away with Senna comparisons

Max Verstappen appreciates the compliments heaped upon him following his scintillating performance in Brazil last weekend, but has vowed to remain calm and measured amid the praise.

The Dutchman's incredible talent and flamboyance behind the wheel have encouraged pundits to hand out superlatives and engage in nostalgic comparisons between the teenager and the great Ayrton Senna.

Even Mercedes non-executive chairman Niki Lauda tipped his cap to Max's father Jos after last Sunday's race, in a rare moment of recognition and compliment.

"He does not do it very often, so it's very nice to see that he did it towards my father," Verstappen said while speaking at a media event in Amsterdam.

"It is all very well what is written, but it's important to remain cool and calm. You should always keep improving, because it's never good enough."

Verstappen's mastering of the treacherous weather conditions in Brazil and a propensity to follow very nontraditional lines in his search for maximum grip were remarkable.

"I was already trying many different racing lines behind the safety car. It was a bit like karting, only in a bigger car, but at the limit, sliding and slithering."

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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.