MAX VERSTAPPEN has been labelled as the Tyson Fury of Formula One due to one key attribute.
Verstappen has taken two race wins from a possible four so far on this season’s F1 calendar and even when not winning he has finished in second place.
Consequently, he leads the championship as he aims for a third title in a row.
And the Red Bull driver has now been compared to heavyweight boxing champ Tyson Fury by boss Christian Horner.
Speaking to the Evening Standard, Horner said: “I see a lot of Tyson Fury’s killer instinct in Max.
“Max had a tough upbringing and he’s got that inner ‘just don’t give up’.
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“It’s not anger, but that hunger, drive, self-confidence and belief — and also he likes Tyson Fury.”
Fury has been out of the ring since stopping Derek Chisora in December.
The 34-year-old was in talks for a heavyweight unification bout against Oleksandr Usyk before negotiations collapsed.
However, traction is being gained with rumours suggesting the Gypsy King will fight against Andy Ruiz Jr.
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This fight was supposedly “leaked” by Ruiz himself with the Mexican-American boxer teasing a bout between them on his Instagram story.
The caption of his post also seemed to confirm a date of July 22nd.
In Verstappen’s case, he only has to wait a few days before getting back in an F1 car, with the Miami Grand Prix pencilled in for this weekend.
Verstappen and team-mate Sergio Perez have been the dominating forces so far this season, with Perez claiming the other two race wins.
And Horner was full of praise for the Mexican street-circuit king.
Asked what it is like to be Verstappen’s team-mate, Horner said: “It’s incredibly tough.
“That’s why I think ‘Checo’ is doing a great job. Mentally, Max can destroy team-mates, younger drivers haven’t had the roundedness to deal with Max Verstappen.
“‘Checo’ has that experience. He accepts that Max is an exceptional talent but, if he focuses on himself, he can get close to him and challenge him at many venues.
“Whether he’s able to do that consistently over 23 races, we’ll see.
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“He knows that’s his biggest challenge. He recognises the talent Max has and he’s completely comfortable with that.
“He’s had a great start to the season and knows he has a great car, but he needs to beat the other guy on the other side of the garage.”
Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
