Max Verstappen is back at the top of Formula 1: For the Dutchman, defending his title is suddenly within reach again. If he succeeds, it would be his fifth World Cup success in a row – a series that only record world champion Michael Schumacher has achieved so far.
This is not the only reason why the current world champion is considered by many experts, including Timo Glock, to be an absolutely exceptional talent. “That’s the technical understanding he has,” says the ex-Formula 1 driver at Sky. “Working with his engineer, constantly sitting in the simulator, driving, trying things out – his body knows nothing else.”
In addition, however, there is also his extraordinary ability to drive a racing car at its limits. “And there are many things,” emphasizes Glock and adds: “For me it always had the impression that he was already five meters or 50 meters ahead and knew what was coming.”
“It was particularly impressive on the Nordschleife when he overtook a car on the grass on a wet track,” recalls the Sky expert about the Red Bull driver’s successful adventure. “Anyone else would have been wide-eyed. But he already knew at that moment what was going to happen.”
Verstappen is characterized by “zero error rate”
He simply foresees what will happen, can read very precisely how starts develop and where he has to position himself in a duel.” Glock believes that this is “outstanding”, but not the four-time Formula 1 world champion’s greatest strength.
“What really sets him apart is this zero error rate at the moment,” adds the 43-year-old. “And the precise delivery at the crucial moment – in qualifying, in Q3 – to get that one perfect lap, in my opinion he is by far the best for that.”
Someone who has known Verstappen for many years is current Sauber team boss Jonathan Wheatley, who previously worked as sports director at Red Bull. “I was lucky enough to work with a very young Max and I really enjoyed it immensely,” recalls the Brit.
Wheatley: Verstappen “an exceptional talent”
“Watching him mature… it almost sounds strange when you talk about him today, because now he’s the complete package,” says Wheatley, before praising the Dutchman in the highest tones: “A complete world champion. An extraordinary talent.”
“Of course he shapes his team around him in the way he believes the best performance can be achieved,” reveals the 58-year-old. “That’s exactly what he’s looking for, always and everywhere. He’s a force of nature. But the team around Max is solid, well-known and has enormous depth and strength in the organization.”
“Obviously the teamwork there works brilliantly,” says Wheatley, looking at his former team. “And personally I’m also very happy for Laurent [Mekies, Teamchef]. He’s a good friend of mine and it’s nice to see that he’s having such a successful phase at Red Bull.” Thanks to Verstappen.