Former Red Bull star Nyck de Vries thinks nobody else in F1 soaks up information better than Max Verstappen.
Last year, De Vries was ruthlessly ousted by Red Bull and replaced by Daniel Ricciardo ahead of the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix. Yet, De Vries and Verstappen remained close friends, expressing support for one another despite going separate paths.
Their bond stretches all the way back to the start of their driving careers. The Dutch pair would spend weekends racing around with their dads, forming a bond that has lasted through the years.
Although younger by two years, Verstappen was once seen as the little brother in their duo, looking up to De Vries. Now, it seems the tables have turned with Verstappen at the pinnacle of F1, leaving his competitors wary of his continued success.
De Vries shared a telling insight into Verstappen's dedication in an interview with GP Fans. The now Mahindra Formula E driver said: "I don't know any rider who takes more classes than Max. He knows everything, about everything. That shows how much passion he has for the sport."
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When Red Bull cut ties with De Vries, Verstappen was one of the first to offer support. The reigning champion said "Unfortunately, that's also how this world works," reports the Express.
"I don't think there are any hard feelings between the drivers, that's just how it goes. You have to move on, there are a lot of other opportunities out there, it's not only Formula 1, this world of racing. I'm sure everyone will land back on [their] feet like normal and you move on."
Nyck de Vries and Max Verstappen have known each other since they were children ((Image: Getty))De Vries previously enlightened fans about his long-standing bond with Verstappen in a 2022 chat with F1.com, where he said: "We've known each other since we were kids.
"We've grown up in the same era of racing. We I think approached karting and racing in our earlier years very similarly.
"We both travelled around in a van with our dads. We just really respected each other and saw each other every weekend, pretty much. But strangely, because Max is obviously two years younger than me, we never raced against each other.
De Vries' return to FE has been a difficult one ((Image: Getty))"Monza was actually the first time in our lives we raced against each other. Ironically, we even ended up next to each other on the grid. We were texting about it the evening prior to the race on Saturday evening and we were texting again on Sunday morning."
"On the grid [ahead of the race], he came to see me and, as an older brother does, encouraged me a little bit, which was very kind he's been very supportive."
While Verstappen is currently dominating F1 by 31 points, De Vries has had a tough first season return to FE, presently ranking 21st out of 27 and amassing just six points throughout the season.
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