Ex-F1 driver claims Max Verstappen’s ‘BELIEF’ is at par with Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna

Johnny Herbert has compared Max Verstappen with Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna after the Red Bull driver's Brazilian GP heroics.


Ex-F1 driver claims Max Verstappen’s ‘BELIEF’ is at par with Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna

Michael Schumacher, Max Verstappen and Ayrton Senna (via IMAGO)

Former British Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert is all praise for Red Bull’s Max Verstappen after the latter’s win at Interlagos. Verstappen pulled off a sensational drive to win the race starting from P17 on a rainy Sunday afternoon.

Max Verstappen‘s skill and prowess are often compared to the very best of drivers in Formula 1. The 27-year-old leads the Drivers’ Championship and is the favorite to clinch his fourth consecutive title this year.

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Herbert has compared Verstappen to the likes of Brazilian legend Ayrton Senna and seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher. He believes that the Red Bull driver possesses the same talent and awareness as Senna and Schumacher.

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It was brilliant to see what he did. It is showing that maturity is coming, and his sheer speed is unbelievable. The belief he has in himself is one the true greats have like Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna who said there were times when you had an out-of-body experience and everything was perfect. From what I saw on Sunday that was one of those days for Max where he showed sheer brilliance.

Johnny Herbert said (via gpblog)

Herbert, who was highly critical of Verstappen after the Mexican GP, has now changed his tune regarding the three-time world champion. Verstappen will now look to keep up his form and finish the season on a high.

Max Verstappen desires ‘clean races’ after historic win at Brazilian GP

Max Verstappen ended his winless drought of 10 races by crossing the finish line first at the Sao Paolo GP. Red Bull has been struggling to win races and secure podiums since the Spanish GP this season.

Max Verstappen winning the 2024 Brazilian GP (via Motorsport Week)
Max Verstappen winning the 2024 Brazilian GP (via Motorsport Week)

At the Brazilian GP, Verstappen extraordinarily managed his pace and tires over a rainy 69-lap span on Sunday. After the race, he stated that he wants to have clean races to close out the season and retain his title.

Looking at it, it was incredibly important because in a way I was expecting to lose points. So from now on, I just want clean races to the end [of the season]. I’m not thinking about clinching the championship in Vegas, or whatever. I just want clean races.

Max Verstappen via RacingNews365

While the Dutchman could claim the drivers’ championship as early as the upcoming Las Vegas race, he does not wish for the same. He is more inclined to not make any mistakes and preserve his lead till the end of the campaign.