Coulthard declares Verstappen to already be a Formula 1 "legend"

David Coulthard has declared Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen to already be a "legend" of the championship.

Verstappen has a second world crown firmly within his grasp following 10 wins in the first 15 races of the 2022 season, and a 109 point championship lead with seven races remaining.

He sent Holland into raptures with his second successive win at home during the Dutch Grand Prix, with former Red Bull-now-turned-TV-pundit Coulthard saying Verstappen's place among the greats is already secured.

"If you look at last year and the way he took the title, he is a phenomenon, an exceptional driver, a legend," Coulthard told Dutch broadcaster Viaplay.

"From the moment he can into the sport, he came as a [Ayrton] Senna, a [Michael] Schumacher, or a [Lewis] Hamilton: He came ready to win.

"He didn't come as a rookie learning everything.

"I know I attribute a lot to him as he's only 24, but he's an exceptional driver.

"I never was but I appreciate hard work and success. Max is someone who has got a whole country on its feet - no matter how many titles he wins, he is already one of the greatest."

The out-right record for most Grand Prix wins in a season (13) is also something Coulthard believes Verstappen can target over the remaining seven races.

"I think he can beat that record," observed Coulthard who won 13 races between 1994 and 2008 in stints at Williams and McLaren.

"Red Bull's pace is very good, and Mattia Binotto is concerned about Ferrari's lack of pace, so Max can get 13 wins.

"He doesn't even need it for the championship, but they're looking at it race-by-race and they want those wins!"