Ferrari chief Frederic Vasseur has suggested that the increased pressure from rivals is causing Max Verstappen to slip up more frequently. Since his dramatic and contentious title victory over Lewis Hamilton in 2021, Verstappen has been virtually untouchable, cruising to back-to-back championships before starting this season in formidable form.

George Russell says he ‘wouldn’t be at all surprised’ if Max Verstappen took a step back from Formula 1 amid reports he could leave Red Bull. Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until 2028 and has enjoyed incredible success with the team, winning the last three championships, with a fourth title very likely in 2024.

The 26-year-olds are among the outstanding talents of their age but Verstappen's numbers trump Russell by dint of winning three world championships to none, and 59 wins to one.