Max Verstappen has been hailed as "a blueprint" driver for F1, not just for his excellence on track but also for how he conducts himself off it.
After winning a fourth consecutive F1 drivers' championship last season, Verstappen has naturally propelled himself into being called one of the greatest of all time, certainly in the modern era.
Verstappen's rapid rise through the ranks after sweeping all before him in karting and then starting in F1 when he was just 17 is a story unlikely to be repeated.
The 27-year-old then had to be patient before finally being crowned an F1 champion in 2021, since when he has gone on to dominate the sport.
"Max is a blueprint for modern Formula 1," said Peter Bayer, Racing Bulls CEO in an exclusive interview with RacingNews365.
"It's being the best in karting, then going right into F1 at 17." Jokingly, Bayer added: "He even provoked Jean Todt [then FIA president] to change the super licence.
"As a driver, we all know what he's capable of doing with that car, but I am more impressed with how he can simply ignore all the noise and fireworks in Formula 1."
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Verstappen 'aura' shines
Last season, Verstappen was able to focus on his racing despite all that was going on in the background at Red Bull, as well as the speculation surrounding his future.
"Every day he comes in with his white sneakers, blue jeans and team shirt, and he's there," said Bayer.
"He's nice with everyone, but the guy is so focused. I've never seen anyone else being so focused on anything, and then he goes home to do sim racing, and that's something I really admire about Max."
Referencing last season's title triumph, clinched with a fifth place in the Las Vegas Grand Prix that followed a stunning triumph in São Paulo from 17th on the grid in atrocious conditions, Bayer said: "In Vegas, I went to see him, to congratulate him.
"Again, he was standing there in his sneakers, jeans, t-shirt, with a beer, and the guy had an aura.
"Outside of the paddock, where he's not being watched by a million people, he's the kindest and nicest person you can imagine. He's genuine and so funny. He's got a great sense of humour.
"Maybe I shouldn't say that, because maybe he doesn't want people to know, but he's witty, he's very bright.
"Obviously, he is one of the greatest of the sport. There's absolutely no doubt about that.
"It's a privilege to know such a person and to be working in the sport when you see stuff such as in Brazil.
"You sit on the pit wall, you see your own car, and you see the other car, and you're like, 'What's happening? What is he doing?'"
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