Vandoorne ranks 'special' Verstappen above Red Bull legend

Aston Martin reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne has ranked Max Verstappen above Sebastian Vettel, with the Belgian describing the reigning champion as a "step ahead". 

Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive F1 drivers' title in 2024, matching the accomplishment Vettel achieved at Red Bull from 2010-2013. 

With the 27-year-old having matched Vettel's number of titles and comfortably surpassed his total victories for Red Bull, Verstapppen is now the most successful Red Bull F1 driver. 

At the age he is, Verstappen is expected to build upon his four titles and 63 grand prix wins, although this year could be difficult for the Milton Keynes-based team.

Vandoorne, who raced for McLaren in 2017 and 2018, does think comparing the two drivers is difficult, but personally has Verstappen ahead. 

Verstappen's most recent title has been placed by many as his greatest so far, given the issues Red Bull had for a lot of the campaign with the RB20. 

The Dutch driver went on a 10-race winless streak as a result of the problems he faced with the car, as well as increased competition from McLaren and Ferrari. 

Vandoorne, who now races for Maserati in Formula E and Peugeot in the World Endurance Championship, also rates Verstappen's most recent title as highly as his first in 2021.

"I think Max is a step ahead of Vettel by now," Vandoorne told Formule1.nl. "It is and remains difficult to compare, but that is how I see it."

"Every year is different of course, every championship too. But if you see how Max wins that title this season, just like in his first season: very special.

"And also in comparison for example with his second and third championships... Those were a bit easier and this year was really incredibly good."