F1 News: Max Verstappen Championed – “Half The Field Would Not Win Races In RB19”

Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 F1 champion, has heaped praise on Max Verstappen, attributing his success to more than just the Red Bull RB19 car.

Key Takeaways:

• Jacques Villeneuve attributes Max Verstappen’s success more to his exceptional skill and dedication than to the advanced RB19 car.
• Villeneuve suggests that even with the RB19, half of the F1 drivers would not achieve what Verstappen has, underscoring his extraordinary talent.
• Verstappen’s ability to merge with the car and continuously improve, especially in areas like tyre management, sets him apart from his peers.

Max Verstappen’s 2023 Formula 1 season with Red Bull Racing was nothing short of phenomenal, as he and the RB19 dominated the circuits. While the technical prowess of the RB19 is undeniable, Jacques Villeneuve believes that Verstappen’s unique talents are what truly set him apart.

According to Villeneuve, Verstappen’s success goes beyond having the fastest car on the grid. In an interview with BetIdeas, he emphasized that Verstappen’s exceptional skills and relentless drive play a significant role in his achievements:

“Lewis [Hamilton] had the best car when he won most of his championships as did [Michael] Schumacher and even [Mika] Hakkinen. When we say the best car now, we are talking about a car [the Red Bull] a second above the field. That has never been the case before Mr Verstappen. Max IS making the difference.

“Half of the field would not win races in that car. He is that special. You see in the first two or three races Max is missing a little something. He doesn’t adapt to the car. Then he works with the team.

“And he brings the car into an area where he can drive it better. It becomes his second skin. His team mate doesn’t make the same step forward. The difference then is accentuated.”

Villeneuve’s insights shed light on the symbiotic relationship between Verstappen and the RB19, where the Dutchman’s relentless pursuit of perfection elevates his performance to unparalleled levels. He highlighted Verstappen’s continuous improvement, particularly in areas like tyre management, showcasing his ability to seamlessly merge with the car and extract its full potential.

Verstappen’s unwavering hunger for victory and improvement, regardless of his previous successes, continues to impress Villeneuve:

“What amazes me with him is his constant hunger. He doesn’t give an inch. Even the last race of the season having won everything, if he lost one tenth at a corner he would be as angry as if it was the first race of the season. I don’t know where he gets that energy. It is impressive. It has been three years non-stop like this.

“That’s what I find amazing and puts him above the rest.”

As the 2024 F1 season approaches, all eyes will be on Max Verstappen to see if he can continue his extraordinary journey of success and dominance in the sport.