Red Bull’s proxy for Max Verstappen claims the RB-19 is NOT built for the Dutchman as it ‘felt natural’ for him

Jake Dennis, who drove for Red Bull in Max Verstappen’s place at the Abu Dhabi GP FP2, alleged that the Red Bull car isn’t built around the Dutchman.

Red Bull’s proxy for Max Verstappen claims the RB-19 is NOT built for the Dutchman as it ‘felt natural’ for him

Max Verstappen and Jake Dennis (via imago)

The Formula 1 paddock has been readying itself for the final Grand Prix weekend of the season at the Yas Marina circuit, the newest reserve drivers and several junior program racers got their first chance of driving a Formula 1 car. Jake Dennis stepped into the RB-19 seat as he replaced the mercurial Dutchman on the opening day of the GP weekend.

The Red Bull team have been absolutely dominant the entire season, and their star racer Max Verstappen has been at the helm of their campaign as he has taken 18 wins in the 21 races in the season so far. This winning level set by the driver and the team has raised several eyebrows as many have argued that the RB19 has been made to suit Verstappen’s driving style alone. These arguments seek to challenge Verstappen’s hand in winning these races as they suggest that the team and the car itself does the heavy lifting.

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Jake Dennis, the driver who occupied Verstappen’s seat on the opening day claims this story to be rubbish as he revealed how ‘comfortable’ the car felt for his driving style.

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I jumped into the car and it was natural. It turns the way it turns and brakes well. People say these cars are built for Max, and it certainly isn't the case as it felt natural for me immediately.
Dennis said after running a few laps in the RB-19 in FP2.

Felipe Drugovich was slandered on social media after he chose Max Verstappen ahead of Lewis Hamilton

Aston Martin test driver, Felipe Drugovich, stirred controversy when asked to choose between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton as the better driver. Drugovich immediately sided with Verstappen, praising his honesty and authenticity. He contrasted this with Lewis Hamilton, suggesting that Hamilton’s affection for Brazil, often termed his “second home Grand Prix” didn’t seem genuine to him, The young race is of Brazilian descent himself.

Felipe Drugovich (via imago)
Felipe Drugovich (via imago)

Drugovich’s remarks triggered a backlash, with fans expressing discontent over his comments about the seven-time World Champion. Many argued that Drugovich, being relatively young and less experienced, might be out of his depth to speak about a seasoned driver like Hamilton.

Some of the fans even speculated that Drugovich’s comments stemmed from jealousy, implying that he might envy Hamilton’s popularity in Brazil. The 23-year-old, a former F2 World Champion, shared his perspective during a podcast, emphasizing Verstappen’s qualities as a “super nice guy” who is approachable and attentive. While acknowledging he had nothing against Hamilton, Drugovich questioned the authenticity of Hamilton’s expressions of love for Brazil.