Ex-F1 champ Villeneuve says Verstappen 'is a machine, simply not normal' after Hungary win

Former Formula 1 champion Jacques Villeneuve is amazed by how good the performance level is of Red Bull's Max Verstappen as the sport heads into its summer break.

When reflecting on the Hungarian Grand Prix in his formule1.nl column, Villeneuve called Verstappen a "machine" who is "simply not normal".

Verstappen claimed victory in Sunday's race, having started in 10th place on the grid. And thanks to a great drive, plus the right strategy, he could extend his lead to 80 points in the drivers' championship ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.

Still smiling? We sure are ?? #HungarianGP ???? pic.twitter.com/gL4TOYDYOL

'A huge lead'

"If you look at all the races in isolation, you would expect a much more exciting battle for the title," Villeneuve said in his column. "The new rules are working well; drivers can follow each other much longer and be more aggressive in the race.

"That is a good sign. We have already seen some fine battles between Ferrari and Red Bull. Ferrari is just as strong, if not stronger. But Red Bull has such a huge lead.

"Nothing has been decided yet. There are still plenty of races to go. But if the trend continues, if Verstappen continues to drive at this level and Red Bull also continues to develop, it will be very difficult to stop them," Villeneuve added.

Wow, what a race ?? #HungarianGP ???? pic.twitter.com/FIGcBx2Dds

Fitness and form

What really impressed Villeneuve was Verstappen's overall fitness and form, as he did not look in the slightest tired after the Hungary race.

"Max is a machine, he's simply not normal! He wasn't even tired [after the race]; I don't think he even needs to go on holiday! He is driving so incredibly strongly this year, and the team is not making any mistakes.

"And if something goes