Verstappen 'weak' technically: 'Still has a lot of progress to make'

Rocquelin held the role of Head of Race Engineering between 2015 and 2022. Between 2009 and 2014, however, he worked as Vettel's engineer, with whom he managed to win four world titles together at Red Bull.

The Frenchman is thus a good acquaintance of both the German and Verstappen, who recently captured his second world title. Rocquelin admits to Eurosport honestly that the Dutchman still has a lot of progress to make on a technical level. "I think Sebastian was a more complete driver than Max when he arrived with us. At the professional level, technique, mediation...he was trained at the [Michael] Schumacher 'school', who was his idol."

'Verstappen still has a lot of progress to make'

According to the former Red Bull engineer, Vettel asked a lot of questions and took a lot of notes. "It is no coincidence that he won several titles. He was more prepared technically, mentally. I think Max maybe had more natural talent, that's what he relied on the most. But Sebastian was the most complete."

Rocquelin praises Verstappen for his confidence, but sees room for improvement. "He knows what he wants and he is very direct. Max has always been a boss. But I'll be honest, Max is weak technically compared to other drivers we've worked with. I think he still has a lot of progress to make." According to the Frenchman, the Red Bull driver is a real leader because of his attitude and results, but he can still improve from a technical point of view and in the way he develops the car.