Verstappen possesses "ruthlessness" of Senna and Schumacher

Max Verstappen has been likened to Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher given the complete focus he displayed in winning his first F1 title last season.

The Red Bull driver showed remarkable consistency across the campaign, finishing in the top two in 18 of the 22 grands prix, including 10 victories, the last of which proved to be the most crucial but also controversial given what unfolded in Abu Dhabi.

Verstappen eventually finished eight points ahead of Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton who was denied what would have been an outright record eighth championship that would have moved him ahead of Schumacher.

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has no doubt Verstappen has the same drive and instincts as two of the legends of F1 in Senna and Schumacher.

"It's impossible to compare because they're different periods but what they all have is a complete focus," said Marko in Autorevue. "You could also call it ruthlessness.

"There is nothing else but 'I want to win and I'll do anything for it'.

"And they grow beyond possibilities that don't normally exist. That reminds me of Max's qualifying lap in Jeddah, even if it didn't work out then."

Marko's comment is a reference to what would have been one of the most remarkable qualifying laps in F1 history but for the Dutch driver hitting the wall at the final corner.

"You could see that he drove the car so over the limit, that was visible," added Marko.

"And in the races, Hamilton should already know that you can't leave the smallest gap open at Verstappen.

"He's already stabbing you before the other person sees him in the rear-view mirror.

"This incredible willpower with the necessary talent makes all the difference."

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