Hopefully in the future, when we look back, we will remember the 2021 season in Formula 1 as the one that boosted the popularity of the sport. One of the major reasons for that was, of course, the epic rivalry between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, which began from the first lap of the season and ended on the last.

Another reason is the Netflix show Drive to Survive that opened the doors of the sport to a whole new segment of fans.

But one reason that perhaps nobody mentioned as much as it deserved mentioning, was the number of drivers on the grid with the potential of becoming future world champions.

This is something Red Bull team principal Christian Horner also spoke about in a recent interview. Picking his picks for the candidates for future world champions, the Briton first mentioned the obvious one and then the usual suspects.

“Max, of course, has only 24 years,” Horner said.

“But he has an entire generation around him who are of a similar age, and who will be able to join him between now and the next ten years: drivers like Charles Leclerc, George Russell, in Mercedes this year, without forgetting Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris, with the latter looking very interesting,” he continued.

“I think it’s great for the sport, as well as the competition.” (Translated via Google Translate)

Horner describes the qualities of Max Verstappen that make him a champion

Christian Horner, who is perhaps the best authority to talk about Max Verstappen’s personality, listed out the characteristics that make him the top driver he is.

Horner mentioned the ‘never give up’ attitude of the Dutchman as one thing that impresses him. “I think it’s his hunger and his determination, combined with a natural talent,” he said.

“He is a fighter, he does not miss all the opportunities that present themselves to him, and this is what distinguishes him as a great driver.”

Only time will tell whether Max Verstappen’s personality, his talent and his skills are enough for him to win more F1 titles. The sport has seen many talented, committed, and young drivers that, for some reason or the other, don’t experience as much success as is expected of them.

Regardless, this class of F1 drivers won’t fall into that category, hopefully.

Also Read: Red Bull F1 Sporting Director Hints at Potential Pierre Gasly-Sergio Perez Swap in 2023