Max Verstappen is ‘destined’ to repeat Michael Schumacher’s success in F1, claims former Ferrari driver
Giancarlo Fisichella reckons that Max Verstappen can achieve the same success as Michael Schumacher.
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Max Verstappen, image via Miami New Times and Michael Schumacher, image via Las Vegas Review-Journal
Max Verstappen is currently dominating Formula 1. The Dutchman annihilated the competition in 2022 as he won a record-breaking 15 wins that year. The 25-year-old is considered the favorite for the 2023 F1 season, with Verstappen bagging three wins in five races. Former Ferrari driver Giancarlo Fisichella compared the two-time world champion with the legendary Michael Schumacher.
Fisichella recalled when he raced against Michael Schumacher and admitted that the German driver was miles ahead of his rivals. Moreover, the Italian driver believed Verstappen possessed the same talent as the 7-time world champion. He said, “He [Michael Schumacher] remains number one to this day. But if we talk about driving talent, Max Verstappen is on the same level.”‘
The 50-year-old was worried that Verstappen could follow in the footsteps of Schumacher and achieve similar unchallenged success with Red Bull. Giancarlo stated, “I fear that Max is destined to dominate for a long time, if the union with Red Bull remains so strong.”
The former F1 driver admitted that Max had made mistakes early in his career due to inexperience. Although, the Italians acknowledged that things have changed since then. The reigning world champion has honed his skills while working on his weaknesses. The Dutchman has become a master in wet conditions and is virtually unchallenged in the races.
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Giancarlo Fisichella deems Max Verstappen as a unique talent
Fisichella was convinced that Max Verstappen had become one of the finest drivers the sport has ever witnessed. The 50-year-old was adamant that the Dutchman has even left behind some all-time F1 greats. He continued. “If we talk about precocity, considering what he has done and is doing at his age, he is even ahead of the greats of the past who preceded him.”
The Italian driver believed that only Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc could potentially challenge the Red Bull driver. However, Giancarlo was clear that a driver like Verstappen is born once in a generation. He concluded, “A driver like Verstappen is born once every 20 years.” The Dutchman remains a formidable force with a dominant win in Miami.
Thus, Giancarlo Fisichella believes that Max Verstappen has what it takes to match Michael Schumacher’s success in F1. The Dutchman has been unstoppable recently as he continues to dominate the sport. Verstappen is only 25, with many years left in his career that will potentially allow the two-time champion to break more records.
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Armaan Agarwal
(2308 Articles Published)