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Jenson Button, the 2009 World Champion, sees a natural gift for racing in Max Verstappen – but is not certain he is the best talent in Formula 1.

Verstappen’s talent was clear as soon as he first appeared on the grid in 2015, at that stage aged only 17.

It was not until 2021 though that he had his first opportunity at becoming Drivers’ Champion, with the Red Bull RB16B proving to be a challenger that could compete at the very front of the grid.

And come the end of one of the most thrilling title battles in F1 history, it was Verstappen who emerged as World Champion for the first time.

In doing so, he denied Lewis Hamilton a record eighth Drivers’ Championship, while at the start of 2022 Verstappen has come flying out of the blocks as a title contender once more, he and Charles Leclerc boasting a win apiece after two races featuring thrilling battles between the pair.

So is Verstappen the elite talent of the Formula 1 grid?

That was put to Button, who made it clear there is natural ability aplenty when it comes to Verstappen.

But to say he is the best right now or in Formula 1 history, that is something he could not say with confidence.

“Naturally gifted? Yes. Is he the best? I don’t know if he’s the best driver that has ever lived or the best in F1 now,” Button told Sky Sports F1.

“Whe