Button notes 'Vertappen's game has risen' as he picks highlight of the year

18:26, 10 May

Updated: 18:30, 10 May

byNorberto Mujica

Former F1 world champion Jenson Button has picked his highlight moment of the year, and it belongs to none other than Max Verstappen.

The Dutchman is known for always extracting the most out of his cars, and this year has evidenced this claim to be true.

Max Verstappen celebrates pole position at the Japanese Grand Prix

Button thinks Verstappen's game has risen

Button sees it too. When picking his highlight of the year, the British world champion is certain: "The moment that stands out so far is Verstappen's qualifying lap in Suzuka," said Button in Sky Sports F1 broadcast.

The Dutchman took pole ahead of both faster McLaren cars driven by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and then went on to win the race on Sunday.

Button then assesses Verstappen's season so far, and sees that whilst Red Bull Racing are struggling, the reigning world champion is still in the form of his life, and maybe even better.

"This year he's stepped it up. He doesn't have the best car, far from it, but he's still dragged something out of the car and to get pole at Suzuka, where you need to be brave, was very impressive.

"His game has risen and it's impressive to see."