Max Verstappen sheds lights on the ‘characteristics’ and ‘skillset’ needed for a driver to stand out from rest of the pack
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Max Verstappen post-qualifying during the 2021 Dutch Grand Prix
Max Verstappen made his debut in Formula 1 in 2015 with Scuderia Toro Rosso. It’s no surprise that the driver was promoted to the Redbull Main team to replace Kvyat in 2016. Max then went on to put forth a blistering performance in Spain to win on his debut with the team. After this win there have been more than a dozen victories under the young driver’s belt and they will keep increasing until the end of his career which isn’t coming anytime soon.
Max Verstappen talked about drivers on the F1 grid who are a level above many of the other drivers in terms of pace and ability. There are a total of 20 drivers on the current F1 grid. Among those, there lie a few who are the best of the best. The top 1% you could say. These drivers have certain qualities that will set them apart from the rest. Verstappen didn’t say it although it is clear that the Dutchman is a part of this group.
While doing an interview, Max Verstappen further goes on and talks about the drivers and these abilities that they possess which make them so deadly on track. Max also talks about drivers who had the skills but not the opportunity to join the sport. The Red Bull Racing driver states as to what situations are necessary to notice the best amongst the rest :
“What makes the difference, is in tricky conditions,” : Max Verstappen on what sets F1 drivers apart from each other
“I think when a driver really comes into play, and what makes the difference, is in tricky conditions or when you are really fighting with another team, those last few percentages. There are so many good drivers out there in the world, even people who are not in Formula 1. They might be driving in endurance but they are also very good and just because of random luck or just circumstances they didn’t get to drive in Formula 1,” he said.
“But the ones who are in Formula 1, between the good and the very good, is in these very decisive moments – if it’s a rain race or in general very difficult conditions, or in a very important qualifying session, to be up there. That’s when you can make the difference. Or score just a little bit more points than, let’s say, your team-mate,” he continued.
Max Verstappen has always been considered a very talented driver. Journalists always predicted him to win a championship at least when he entered the sport. Max Verstappen has now won a championship and is very close to making it a second championship victory.
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Varad Joshi
(940 Articles Published)