Max Verstappen is one of the most exciting talents in Formula 1.

However, at this present time, he is one of the most inconsistent and erratic drivers on the circuit.

The Red Bull driver had a collision with Sebastian Vettel on lap 43 at the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday, when he was attempting a pass on the world championship leader, but instead locked up and crashed into the Ferrari.

While in the past, Verstappen has looked to absolve himself of any blame in the number of incidents he has been involved with, this time around he accepted his part in the collision which cost him a chance of a podium.

"I could see him struggling on the tyres and tried to brake late into the corner. I locked the rears a bit and hit him. That was of course my fault," he said.

Verstappen also reached out to Vettel after the race, a gesture that Vettel appreciated, especially as the pair have shared a fractious relationship.

"I think he realised he was wrong.

"We were both lucky to continue but it was not necessary.

"However, I appreciated the fact he came to me straightway because that's the way to solve things like this, face to face."

Professional sportspeople usually take the criticism they get from the media with a pinch of salt, but if there is one person you would find it hard to disagree with, it would be a parent.

Especially if they also have some experience of being the same sport.

Verstappen's father Jos made more than 100 starts for a number of times in the 90s and early 2000s. So when he speaks, someone like Max is bound to listen.

Speaking about the latest controversy in Max's career, Jos acknowledged the error in his son's ways and admitted he was 'disappointed'.

"The overtake on Vettel really wasn't on," Verstappen Snr said, as per Autosport.

"That wasn't possible. It was an error of judgement. In some circumstances, Max just has to think more.

"I don't want him to change his driving style. He passed two people at the start. He did that perfectly. That's what we all want to see.

"But we don't want to see these kinds of actions. He needs to have it under control. He needs to think.

"I'm seeing him tomorrow. Last weekend was very painful, but we'll have to talk about it and analyse what happened in a normal way.

"This can't happen. He already knows it, I don't have to say much.

When asked if he was mad with his son, he replied: "Mad is not the right word, but I'm disappointed. But it's the most painful for himself."

While being brutally honest in his son's failings, like any protective parent, he is more than prepared to stand up for his son when he believes he is being targeted - such as the incident with Lewis Hamilton in Bahrain just seven days earlier.

"I don't think there was anything wrong with that, I still think it was a good move," he added.

"Afterwards you could say Max should have given Hamilton more room, but Hamilton could have done the same to Max.

"That's why it's a racing incident and they're both taking the blame.

"He has to take more risks with his Red Bull because the top speed is lower than the Mercedes."

It is easy to forget Verstappen is still only 20-years-old and one of the 'babies' in the sport.

There is still plenty of time for him to smooth down the rough edges and become one of the best drivers on the circuit.