In the lengthy annals of Formula 1 history, only a few have been able to leave a mark like the great Ayrton Senna. Often regarded as the greatest F1 driver ever, the late Brazilian 3x champion has solidified himself as a racing god. Enigmatic, mysterious and blessed with an unparalleled racing talent, even drivers of today worship him as an idol. Needless to say, whenever a young driver starts blazing the tarmac in this sport, comparisons with Senna are always made. Max Verstappen has been no different.

While Verstappen has been compared with the likes of Senna for his pure pace and aggression on track, the ex-McLaren driver was much, much more than that. Frustratingly unforgivable on the race track, off the circuit, he was a different man. But with Verstappen, the deal is a bit different, as evidenced by his antics after the Sprint Race at Baku. This is why, an ex-rival of Senna’s has now come out to rubbish the claims that Verstappen is Senna reincarnate.

Verstappen lacks this one Ayrton Senna quality

Rene Arnoux raced Senna for five years, from 1984 to 1989. Hence, he has a pretty good idea about the racing driver and the man, Ayrton Senna. While addressing the ever-on-going claims that Verstappen is the spitting image of the Brazilian, he thought it appropriate to shut down these comparisons.

Arnoux explained, “The Ayrton I met was very reserved, kind. Max is tougher, the reaction he had in Baku with [George] Russell was unacceptable. Besides that, he’s very good – makes no mistakes and with such a fast car, with the traction, a deadly DRS. He’s in an ideal situation.”

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“I Don’t Understand Why…”: Max Verstappen Rejects George Russell’s “Beautiful” Explanation With a Scathing Remark

Verstappen may want to tone down his aggression, however, he will never forgive Russell.

Max Verstappen takes another jibe at George Russell

When Russell and Verstappen made contact on lap 1 of the Baku Sprint race, it was just a matter of time until the Dutch lion would cross Russell’s path and wreak havoc. But while his X-rated confrontation was settled, Verstappen was not in the mood to lie low.

Sky Sports F1 quoted him as explaining, “[In his position] I would try to fight but not run into someone because that’s not what you want to do. That’s something you maybe learn over time. I had my moments as well when I first started in Formula 1 where you make some silly mistakes – a lock-up or potential damage,” after the incident.

But the 2x champion had one last sentence to add to just add insult to injury for the young Brit. “Maybe it’s just part of the learning curve.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Bromance moments between Max Verstappen & Lewis Hamilton

Does Max Verstappen really lack the empathy of Ayrton Senna?