Ex-driver reveals when Max Verstappen’s dormant ‘lion comes out’ during high-intensity Grand Prix events
Max Verstappen in well-known in the Formula 1 paddock for his aggressive antics when pushed into tough situations.
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Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)
Max Verstappen is the hottest property on the modern Formula 1 grid. He has been amassing victories for fun since 2022 and while the ongoing campaign has been a bit up-and-down, Ex-Formula 1 driver Giedo van der Garde has revealed when the Dutchman lets out his inner lion.
The reigning world champion is well-known in the sport for his fierce attitude while racing on the track. Max Verstappen has had quite a few clashes with the top drivers in recent times but this does not bother him at all.
Giedo van der Garde believes that Verstappen is at his absolute best when he is driving angry on the track.
I know Max and Jos very well. But I know one thing: when they get angry, especially Max, he performs better. I don’t know how he does it, but you saw [in Brazil] from the beginning that he was on a mission. And that, for me, is incredible to see because he is super talented. The race pace he has is super nice to see, but when he gets angry, it’s really something else. The lion comes out then, and he performs even better. That’s very nice to see.
Giedo van der Garde via GPblog
Verstappen has been improving as a racing driver with every passing season in Formula 1. Moreover, his heroics at the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix have been deemed by many as one of the best drives of his career so far. The 27-year-old triumphed in the Interlagos race despite starting it from way down in P17.
Sergio Perez well aware of the need for him to ‘perform’ in 2024
While Max Verstappen is used to receiving praise every now and then, the same is not the case for the out-of-form Sergio Perez. The Mexican has been brutally bashed by pundits as well as the Red Bull team for his timid outings this year.
Perez is well aware of the pressure on him and thus, has acknowledged the need to perform from Las Vegas onwards.
While it’s a spectacle of a race, for everyone attending and watching back home, it’s one where I know I need to perform and maximize this car and my own performance. I’ve been working with the team and feel Sao Paulo was much more competitive than we were able to show, so let’s put it together for the last three [races].
Sergio Perez via PlanetF1
In case Perez’s woes continue in the remaining races of the 2024 season, he could come in real danger of losing his Red Bull drive for 2025. Moreover, Red Bull has reportedly started looking at options alongside Max Verstappen for next year. RB drivers Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda are potentially in with a shot along with Williams’ Franco Colapinto.
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Rishabh Negi
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