Jean Todt reveals similarities between Max Verstappen and Michael Schumacher
Max Verstappen who is chasing his 3rd F1 World title has a long way to go to match the German legend.
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Max Verstappen, Jen Todt and Michael Schumacher
Jean Todt, in an interview with Corriere, stated that the only trait Max Verstappen bears in common with Michael Schumacher is that they both drive the best car on the grid. This came in response to being questioned on Verstappen, reminding several of Schumacher, and his ruthlessness on track.
He stated, “Fast, he makes few mistakes. He’s a fighter like Michael. But on a human level, I know Max too little to judge him. Michael might have seemed a bit presumptuous and obnoxious when he ran, but it was an attitude that served to hide his shyness.”
He proceeded to add, “He was humble, he always questioned himself. He never blamed the team, not even when the brakes broke at Silverstone through our fault. I don’t make comparisons, but he and Max have one thing in common…they drive for the best team and that helps.”
Todt was in charge of the Scuderia in the most prominent years of the German icon’s career. He stated that despite his reluctance to make comparisons, Verstappen’s dominance could be attributed to driving for the best team on the grid the same way it did Schumacher’s.
Jean Todt believes Charles Leclerc should be able to rival Max Verstappen
Charles Leclerc has had a torrid start to the new season, with him and the Scuderia falling short of expectations. The Monégasque starlet was subject to high expectations preceding the premiere of the 2023 season, with many tipping him to take the fight to Champion Max Verstappen. However, with a combination of bad luck and a general lack of pace from the car, Leclerc has struggled and amassed a mere 6 points in 3 races- his worst-ever start to a season with Ferrari. This dashes his hopes of challenging Max for the title, who stands 63 points ahead of him.
Todt, when questioned on Ferrari’s performance, stated that while they are still fierce competitors, the Italian team is not ready to claim a Championship, stating that something is still amiss. He stated, “In F1, there are good ones, and then a very small group of very good ones of which Leclerc is part.”, implying that Leclerc should be able to compete with Verstappen
Max Verstappen and Red Bull have had a stellar start to the 2023 season
Max Verstappen is undoubtedly one of the best talents Formula One has been witness to in recent years. He consistently fights for wins and currently seems to have an unmatched pace. Many claims to see a resemblance between him and legend Michael Schumacher. The German was a serial winner and champion, and young prodigy Max Verstappen seems to be following in his footsteps, with two consecutive Championships to his name.
Verstappen has won two out of three races thus far and leads the standings, being trailed by his teammate Sergio Perez. Red Bull has won all three races to start the season and has developed a sizeable lead in the Constructors’ standings. While many draw comparisons between the Dutch prodigy and the Seven-time world champion and the common traits they possess, it is safe to say Verstappen is creating his own legacy in Formula One and is on the right path to doing so.
In case you missed it:
- When a furious Lewis Hamilton called Max Verstappen a ‘d**khead’ after the 2018 Bahrain GP
- Did Lewis Hamilton ever race with Michael Schumacher?
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Justin P Joy
(4885 Articles Published)