2016 Formula 1 World Champion Nico Rosberg says Max Verstappen must be careful not to become “complacent” amid his strong form.
Verstappen currently holds a commanding lead in the Drivers’ Championship after the first half of the 2023 campaign.
The Dutchman has won all but two races so far, with his points lead reading over 100 points ahead of team-mate Sergio Perez.
Verstappen is also closing in on Sebastian Vettel’s record of nine consecutive race wins, which he set during his dominant 2013 campaign.
Last time out in Hungary, Red Bull won its 12th race in a row – breaking the record that has stood since 1988.
But Rosberg says that Verstappen must be careful and not lose focus as he closes in on a third F1 title.
“He generally needs to be careful that he doesn’t get complacent,” Rosberg said on the Sky Sports F1 podcast.
“He’s in such incredible flow where no one can touch him, and that’s usually when there’s a risk of getting complacent, and you lose a bit of motivation.
“So he just needs to be a bit careful of that. But I don’t see it happening.
“Because his state of mind is phenomenal and just he’s so focused, and so in the zone all the time. It’s like art. It’s amazing.
“I’m one of the people that can best judge his performance at the moment and the level that he’s driving at.
“Yes, it doesn’t exactly make for the most exciting races at the very front but he’s so deserving because it’s incredible the level that he’s at that, so close to perfection all the time.
“You’ve got to compare to the team-mate, look where Sergio Perez is.
“I mean, his best qualifying result in the last six grands prix was ninth on the grid.
“Sergio is a really good driver, he knows how to drive a racing car – but Max is just extraordinary.”
