Ex-F1 champion declares Max Verstappen’s behavior is similar to late Niki Lauda

Alain Prost believes Max Verstappen showcases a similar personality as late F1 Legend Niki Lauda in terms of being 'direct and honest'.

Ex-F1 champion declares Max Verstappen’s behavior is similar to late Niki Lauda

Max Verstappen (via IMAGO), Niki Lauda (via CNN)

Max Verstappen‘s has been dominating Formula One in the last four seasons with Red Bull, establishing himself as one of greats of the sport. The 27-year-old has often been compared to the late-legend Ayrton Senna amongst others. Following Verstappen’s fourth championship win, Ex-F1 champion Alain Prost declared there is actually some similarity between the Dutchman and the late Niki Lauda.

Max Verstappen joined the elite list if driver with four or more titles, alongside Alain Prost. The French F1 champion recently claimed that Verstappen was like Niki Lauda in terms of being direct, though he doesn’t like the idea of comparing racers from different generations. The ex-McLaren driver highlighted how Lauda was always answered ‘honestly’ much like the 27-year-old.

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I never want to talk about or compare the drivers of yesterday with those of today, let me be clear, Max is like Niki in terms of being direct, no doubt about that. When you asked Lauda something, the answer was always honest. 

Alain Prost told RMC Motori.

Prost furthered his compliment and asserted that Verstappen ‘made an impression’ on people’s minds whenever he said something. However, the ex-champion refused to further compare the performances the two dominant champions. The Dutchman is on the trajectory to match the legend Michael Schumacher in consecutive championship wins if he succeeds in the 2025 season.

Verstappen is, as the English say, he makes an impression with what he says. On the rest, I can’t judge.

Alain Prost added.

Alain Prost claims ‘no problem’ with Max Verstappen matching the former’s championship wins

Max Verstappen became the fifth driver in history to achieve four consecutive championship records, equaling Alain Prost. The Frenchman believed that the Dutchman showcased his great talent and proved that he had ‘something extra’.

Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen, image via Red Bull

Due to this, the 69-year-old had ‘no problem’ after the reigning world champion matched the former’s exceptional feat. On the contrary, Prost highlighted that the 27-year-old could ‘definitely surpass’ the former in a few years.

Well, it’s normal when it’s someone like him, a very fast driver who from the first laps showed he had something extra,He is a great champion, he has shown he is the best, so sharing four titles with someone like him doesn’t create any problem for me. I am sure he will be able to surpass me and in the next few years he will definitely do it.

Alain Prost noted.

Red Bull’s struggles in the 2024 season must find improvement by the coming season to provide Verstappen with a championship opportunity. The Dutchman has already created history and could only extend his legacy by winning more. Hence, the 2025 season is crucial for the 27-year-old to keep up with his dominant winning streak.