Reuters
Formula One F1 – Monaco Grand Prix – Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco – May 19, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen during a press conference ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix Pool via REUTERS/Sebastien Nogier
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Monaco Grand Prix – Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco – May 19, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen during a press conference ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix Pool via REUTERS/Sebastien Nogier
Max Verstappen endured a difficult end to his Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday. Although the Dutchman led the race for over 30 laps, he crashed out in Lap 47, recording his first DNF of the season.
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While Verstappen’s lead in the driver’s championship remained intact, his frustration was evident. Although the Dutchman is a more mature driver, arrogance is a word that was more commonly attached to him in his initial years.
German RTL reporter Kai Ebel summed up Verstappen’s approach in F1, as well as his reactions in Baku.
Kai Ebel believes Max Verstappen is filled with self-confidence, not arrogance
From a promising talent to a genuine championship contender, Verstappen has come a long way. Although Red Bull’s machinery couldn’t keep up with Mercedes in the past, they look much stronger this time around. In addition, Verstappen has outclassed four teammates in his six-year history with the Austrian outfit.
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Formula One F1 – Spanish Grand Prix – Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain – May 8, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen after qualifying in second position Pool via REUTERS/Emilio Morenatti
Ebel believes his success so far is due to the confidence he carries in every race. The German said, “Max has a self-image of beating everyone.
“If you ask him who his preferred teammate should be, he says: ‘I don’t care, I’ll beat anyone anyway’. But that’s not arrogance, it’s an expression of a lot of self-confidence.”
READ MORE: WATCH: Max Verstappen Displays his Masterclass as a 12 Year Old on Karts
Ebel: Verstappen on par with Hamilton
The German journalist believes Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton has a challenger who’s at his level at the moment. He also believes Red Bull have the edge this season, which could set the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Spanish Grand Prix – Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain – May 9, 2021 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen after winning the race Pool via REUTERS/Emilio Morenatti
“Now Hamilton has an opponent on a par, Max Verstappen,” said Ebel. “The fact that they’re so different in character just makes it more tingling for me as well. In terms of car performance, Red Bull Racing-Honda is ahead at the moment.”
With just four points separating Verstappen and Hamilton in the driver’s championship, the title fight heads to the French Grand Prix. Although Red Bull look stronger this season than previous seasons, the Silver Arrows have an excellent track record in Le Castellet. Can the Dutchman extend his lead on June 20?
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