Button: Verstappen fastest driver that has ever driven an F1 car

Speaking during an interview on TalkSport, Button declared of the 22-year-old Dutch sensation, "I think he is the fastest driver that has ever driven an F1 car. I really do. I think he is unbelievably fast."

Big praise from Button, a veteran of 306 Grand Prix, winner of 15 of them and F1 World Champion in 2009 coming hot on the heels of Eddie Irvine claiming that Charles Leclerc was "a much better driver" than Verstappen.

Button pointed out, "Previously to this year [Verstappen] has made some mistakes as you would expect from a young driver but now he's doing such a fantastic job. I really do think he is something special."

Verstappen has made 98 starts in the top flight and has celebrated 28 times on F1 podiums, seven times as a winner.

During the talk show, Button was also quizzed about his former McLaren teammate Lewis Hamilton and said, "He's very good. We were teammates for three years so I could see first-hand how good he is. His natural ability is fantastic."