Verstappen rivals left with 'fear factor' after 'relentless' season

Former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer has ranked Max Verstappen as one of the greatest-ever drivers, having instilled "fear" into his rivals last season. 

Despite dealing with a difficult car for much of the 2024 F1 season, Verstappen secured a fourth consecutive drivers' title. 

He is now level on four championships with Sebastian Vettel and Alain Prost, but still behind Juan Manuel Fangio, Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton. 

What impressed Palmer last season was how relentless the 27-year-old was, even in such a competitive field. 

In doing so, the former Renault driver believes the four-time world champion scared his opposition.

"I think it’s hard to argue he’s not in the absolute top tier right now with the likes of Hamilton, Senna and Schumacher," Palmer told wrote for Formula 1. 

"The level he is performing at is relentlessly formidable. In 2024 the field has never been more competitive, yet he’s managed to instil the fear factor into his rivals."

Areas for improvement

Whilst Palmer is a huge admirer of Verstappen's talent and ranks him amongst the best, the Briton does believe the Dutchman still has areas to improve. 

The Red Bull driver has proven he can perform on a consistent basis, having won 19 races on his way to a third title in 2023. 

However, Palmer would like to see Verstappen race his rivals fairer, an area others have also pinpointed as something for the driver to improve.

Verstappen received two 10-second time penalties last year in Mexico City, for two separate incidents with Lando Norris.

"In terms of ability he’s got everything and he’s consistent with it, there just aren’t any weaknesses," added Palmer. 

"The only thing I’d personally like to see is him racing slightly fairer in the heat of a championship battle. 

"You could argue that this is an asset of his, to be ruthless as well and push the limits, but he certainly does that more than other title contenders in recent memory."