Max Verstappen is 'absolutely ready' for the title

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Max Verstappen was born ready if you ask us, but that isn't keeping the 19-year-old from making the bold statement that he can - and is indeed ready - to win the world title this season.

It's just been a phenomenal climb for the young prodigy since he joined the ranks of Formula 1 in 2015 and blossomed into a Grand Prix winner last year.

Many believe that the new technical rules, which have forced every designer to start from a clean sheet, could play into the hands of Red Bull Racing this season, and if that's the case there's no reason why Verstappen could no aim for glory.

"Am I ready for the championship? Absolutely," Verstappen told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

"I have been ready since my first race in 2015 with Toro Rosso. If you are in the best car, racing is so much easier.

"If I had already had a good car, I know I would have scored victories for sure," says the man who triumphed in the Spanish Grand Prix last year for his first race with Red Bull.

"I have spent the past two seasons learning so much. From crashes to mistakes to wrong pitstops. But if you are in the best car, many of those problems go away and everything is a lot easier."

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We think that Daniel Ricciardo might have a thing or two to say about that, as Maximum Max will likely have the Honey Badger to contend with.

If Adrian Newey and Renault deliver the goods, the battle between the two bulls should be epic!

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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.