“Mercedes Got a Penalty but Max Verstappen Stopped It”: Gerhard Berger

“Mercedes Got a Penalty but Max Verstappen Stopped It”: Gerhard Berger

Gerhard Berger and Max Verstappen

The Russian Grand Prix could have witnessed Max Verstappen drops significant points against Lewis Hamilton in the Driver’s Standings. But as the chaotic final saga took place at Saga, the late showers seemed to have helped the Dutchman to fetched a second position, only behind Lewis Hamilton. 

Ahead of the particular race, the Dutchman took a change in his power unit. As a result of his start from the back, P5 seemed like the best result he could achieve. Yet as the drama of Lando Norris unfolded, the Red Bull ace took his chances to out-race his opponents and ensures a P2 finish. Which has surely impressed Gerhard Berger. 

Gerhard Berger on Max Verstappen 

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen

DTM boss Gerhard Berger would put his money on Verstappen, he says. F1 Insider. “I think Max is going to be world champion. He finally has a car on par with Mercedes and he’s doing a fantastic job. His second place in Sochi was more than damage control, considering he had to start at the very back.” In doing so, the Austrian makes a nice football comparison. “You could say Mercedes got a penalty, but Max stopped it.” 

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Max Verstappen wins Dutch GP
Max Verstappen

A strong point of Verstappen is his mental strength, Berger believes. “Max, with all his determination and concentration, seems completely clear-headed. He knows exactly what to do.” According to Berger, Verstappen spoke to Valtteri Bottas prior to the race. He thinks Verstappen made it equally clear to the Finn to stay out of the title fight. “Champions do that too. Senna went to the drivers on the grid before every race and told them his plans. That always worked.”

Also Read: Formula 1 Penalty Points: Two Drivers on the Brink of Race…

Also Read: Christian Horner: “It Feels Like a Victory for Max Verstappen Today”