Former F1 Driver Doubts Max Verstappen’s Ability to Get ‘110%’ Out of a Mercedes Car
Follow Us
via Getty
MONTMELO, SPAIN: Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing prepares to drive in the garage during day one of F1 Winter Testing at Circuit de Catalunya on February 18, 2019 in Montmelo, Spain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Max Verstappen has time and again displayed just why he is one of the best drivers on the grid. The Red Bull ace has made a habit of eking out massive results despite not having the best car on the grid, which goes to show just how much performance he has been extracting out of the car.
It’s no surprise then that fans tout him to make a move to Mercedes where he can actually challenge for the crown and perhaps succeed Lewis Hamilton’s dominion. But not everyone is convinced that Max would do as good a job at the Silver Arrows that he is doing at Red Bull.
Former F1 driver Kamui Kobayashi has his doubts. While acknowledging just how good Max has been, he isn’t sure that Verstappen will be able to extract the same amount of performance in a Mercedes.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
via Reuters
Formula One F1. Bahrain Grand Prix. Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in action during the race REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
The Japanese driver said, “I think Max fits this Red Bull car. (But) if he’s going to other teams, I’m not sure he can bring the performance as much as like Red Bull.
“For example, he is bringing performance in Red Bull more than 110%. But if he goes to Mercedes, I’m not sure he can bring the performance as much as 110%. Maybe he can manage 100% for sure. But I think it matters how you fit with the car.”
Bahrain GP: Brundle Explains Why Max Verstappen Let Hamilton by Immediately
Max Verstappen would want to win a race in 2021 ASAP
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The season opener didn’t quite go to plan for Max and Red Bull. They dominated pre-season testing and even all the sessions leading up to the race. But during the race was when their best plans unraveled. Mercedes produced a strategy masterclass with Hamilton’s help and secured what felt like an unlikely victory.
via Reuters
Formula One F1. Bahrain Grand Prix. Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen on the grid before the race Pool via REUTERS/Andrej Isakovic
This was despite Max’s best efforts to win the race, who wasn’t too pleased with the decision that went against him late in the race. But he’ll want to move on from that as soon as possible and focus on the next race in Imola.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
Liam Lawson’s Surprise Contract Clause Threatens Daniel Ricciardo’s RB Seat
April 24, 2024 11:15 AM EDT
Daniel Ricciardo To Be Replaced by Liam Lawson After Miami, F1 Pundit Dishes Out Harsh Verdict After Australian’s “Amateur Mistake”
April 17, 2024 11:14 AM EDT
What Is Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino? Significance of Ferrari’s Historic Change to a Blue Livery for Miami GP
April 24, 2024 04:52 PM EDT
“[Charles] Leclerc Doesn’t Care About Ferrari”: F1 Insider’s Brutal Blow to Fred Vasseur & Co. Has Racing Community Lashing Out
April 24, 2024 05:00 PM EDT
F1 Rumor: Christian Horner and Wife Geri to Publicly Reveal All Details on Leaked Chat Scandal
April 22, 2024 04:10 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
The title hasn’t slipped out of Max’s grasp yet. With 22 races to go, there is ample time left to mount a challenge. However, Verstappen would want to close the gap to Lewis and take the lead as soon as possible.
After the victory in Bahrain slipped out of his hands, Verstappen would desperately want revenge on April 18th at Imola.
Written by:
