Max Verstappen claims Lewis Hamilton isn’t gifted with the SPECIAL TRAIT he shares with Fernando Alonso
The trait has been very rarely witnessed in F1, with the Dutchman and Spaniard being the only pair to exhibit it so far
Follow Us
Fernando Alonso, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton (Credits: Essentially Sports and SI)
Dutch sensation Max Verstappen has undeniably been the best driver on the grid in 2023, winning five out of seven races this season. He has completely overshadowed the likes of his rival Lewis Hamilton throughout the last two seasons, where the Briton has failed to secure a single victory. Verstappen has since claimed that he has a special trait that his arch-rival lacks.
The two-time world champion has frequently demonstrated his ability to notice and comment on small details from the cockpit via team radio, such as the sound of a ringing phone during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend. Speaking to The Sunday Times, he said, “I do like to think that having extra capacity is a big advantage in F1 as well. You cannot train that kind of thing. Only a few drivers have it.”
Verstappen was asked whether any of his competitors shared the same ability. He responded, “For me, definitely Fernando [Alonso] – I can feel that, from the way he operates in the car, picking up on little things, showing this extra capacity – still driving at the limit but thinking about other stuff as well.”
When inquired on whether Lewis Hamilton also shared this ability, he replied, ” No. Fernando stands out more with that. People will probably start hating me for [saying] that, but just that’s how I see it.”
Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen have frequently picked up on minor details
Seasoned Spaniard Fernando Alonso frequently advises his Aston Martin teammate Lance Stroll through the team radio, providing guidance on race strategy and actively monitoring the on-track action by observing the large screens. This was observed at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he recommended his brake balance to a struggling Stroll.
At the Miami GP, he also observed Lance Stroll complete an overtake on the big screen while driving at extremely high speeds, which is a testament to his immense attention to detail and how he can view minor things while concentrating on the job at hand. He proceeded to praise the move on his radio.
Verstappen possesses an extraordinary level of situational awareness when competing. His concentration extends beyond the track itself and encompasses his surroundings. This was evident during the 2019 Abu Dhabi GP when he showcased his exceptional focus. He could deduce the strategies of the Ferrari drivers simply by attentively listening to the wheel gun sounds transmitted through their team radio, which his engineer later confirmed.
During a practice session for the Spanish GP, Verstappen once again demonstrated his acute awareness. In this instance, the distinct noise that caught his attention was not the sound of an F1 car but rather the ringing of Helmut Marko’s phone. Verstappen’s attentiveness allowed him to pick up on even the subtlest details, showcasing his exceptional focus and ability to perceive his environment. According to him, This trait is rarely observed in F1, which only these two drivers currently exhibit.
In case you missed it:
- Max Verstappen under investigation for alleged $215 Million worth tax fraud
- “This is the last race without a podium,” Fernando Alonso seethes with revenge after upsetting P7 finish at the Spanish GP
Stay Updated!
Tanuj Sadasivam
(245 Articles Published)