Jacques Villeneuve highlights Max Verstappen 'Christmas' gift after early-season woes

Jacques Villeneuve has stated Max Verstappen's late-season challenge for the title was like “Christmas” for the Dutchman.

Verstappen was not considered a challenger for much of the season as McLaren dominated at the front of the field.

However, as Red Bull continued to develop its car late into the year, Verstappen became a late challenger and missed out on the title by an agonising two points.

Villeneuve, the 1997 F1 champion, has highlighted the personal satisfaction Verstappen would have received from the challenge of the hunt.

“A bit of frustration, but halfway through the season, he didn’t think that he was even in the fight,” Villeneuve told PokerScout when asked how Verstappen will judge his season.

“So that was like Christmas when he got into that position. That was a bonus to even get a peep at it.”

Villeneuve pointed to a late virtual safety car intervention in Mexico, which denied Verstappen the chance to overtake Leclerc for second place, labelling it a significant moment in the outcome of the title.

“He’ll be frustrated with the virtual safety car in Mexico, that was costly, more than anything,” he said.

“Max has shown why he’s part of the greats of the sport, up there with the Sennas and the Prosts, and the Mansells of this world, and the greats who came before.

“He just doesn’t stop. He’s relentless. He’s a pure racer and a passionate one, so that’s what you want to see. That’s what you want champions to become.”