Is Max Verstappen’s success underestimated? | ‘He has something special’

For our latest pod, Matt Baker is joined by Dutch racing driver Giedo van der Garde and F1 content creator Tom Bellingham.

Giedo van der Garde reveals what Max Verstappen was like as a child, how much Jos Verstappen has impacted his son's career, and how the Red Bull driver’s maturity has changed his racing style throughout the years.

They also discuss if Max is happy winning unchallenged nearly every race weekend and debate whether his sim racing is helping him become a better driver.

They finish by giving their thoughts on what Max's future in F1 is and whether he would explore other series in motorsports.

# Max Verstappen: A Comprehensive Analysis of His Formula One Career

## Introduction

Max Verstappen, the Dutch racing sensation, has taken the Formula One world by storm with his exceptional talent and aggressive driving style. This comprehensive analysis delves into Verstappen's journey, from his early days in karting to his current dominance in Formula One, exploring the factors that have contributed to his remarkable success.

## Early Life and Karting Career

Verstappen's passion for racing began at an early age, influenced by his father, Jos Verstappen, a former Formula One driver. Growing up in Belgium, Verstappen started karting at the age of four and quickly displayed exceptional skills. He won numerous karting championships, including the European Championship in 2013 and the World Championship in 2014, establishing himself as one of the most promising young drivers in the world.

## Formula One Debut and Early Success

In 2015, Verstappen made his Formula One debut with Toro Rosso, becoming the youngest driver to start a Grand Prix at the age of 17. He impressed immediately with his fearless driving style and ability to overtake other cars. In 2016, he was promoted to Red Bull Racing, the senior team, and achieved his first Formula One victory at the Spanish Grand Prix, becoming the youngest driver to win a Grand Prix at the age of 18.

## Rise to Dominance

Verstappen continued to improve and mature as a driver, consistently challenging for race wins and podium finishes. In 2021, he finally clinched his first Formula One World Championship title, becoming the first Dutch driver to win the championship. He successfully defended his title in 2022, showcasing his consistency and dominance.

## Driving Style and Characteristics

Verstappen's driving style is characterized by his aggressive overtaking maneuvers, late braking, and ability to extract maximum performance from his car. He is known for his fearless approach to racing, often pushing the limits and taking risks. Verstappen's exceptional car control and ability to adapt to different track conditions make him a formidable competitor.

## Impact on Formula One

Verstappen's success and aggressive driving style have revitalized Formula One, attracting new fans and generating excitement. His rivalry with Lewis Hamilton in recent years has been one of the most intense and captivating in the history of the sport. Verstappen's dominance has also pushed other drivers and teams to improve their performance, resulting in closer and more competitive races.

## Future Prospects

At just 25 years old, Verstappen is already one of the most successful drivers in Formula One history. With two World Championships under his belt and numerous race wins, he has the potential to achieve even greater things in the years to come. As he continues to mature and gain experience, Verstappen is poised to cement his legacy as one of the greatest Formula One drivers of all time.



**Verstappen's Maturation and Evolution as a Driver:**

- Giedo van der Garde sheds light on Verstappen's transformation from a fiery, aggressive young driver to a more mature and calculated racer.
- Verstappen's increased experience and understanding of the sport have led to a shift in his approach, focusing on long-term success and championship contention rather than impulsive risk-taking.
- Despite his newfound maturity, Verstappen retains his competitive spirit and determination to win, as evidenced by his impressive performances in recent races.

**Verstappen's Preference for Unchallenged Victories:**

- The discussion addresses the question of whether Verstappen prefers battling wheel-to-wheel for victories or securing comfortable wins with significant margins.
- Tom Bellingham believes that Verstappen enjoys the dominance and control that comes with leading races unchallenged, as it allows him to manage the tires and car more effectively.
- Giedo van der Garde concurs, stating that Verstappen prefers the easier path to victory, although he is prepared to engage in close battles when necessary.

**Verstappen's Sim Racing Project and Its Impact:**

- The podcast explores Verstappen's involvement in sim racing and his project to bridge the gap between virtual and real-world racing.
- Giedo van der Garde believes that sim racing can enhance a driver's skills, but it cannot fully replicate the physical and sensory experiences of driving a real race car.
- Tom Bellingham sees potential in sim racing as a talent identification tool, offering a more accessible and cost-effective alternative to traditional karting or junior series.

**Potential Challengers to Verstappen's Dominance:**

- The experts discuss the drivers who might pose a threat to Verstappen's dominance in the coming years.
- Giedo van der Garde highlights Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, and Lando Norris as potential contenders, praising their experience, speed, and talent.
- Tom Bellingham agrees with the selections but expresses skepticism about anyone beating Verstappen within the Red Bull team, given his current dominance and the team's harmonious environment.

**Verstappen's Future Beyond Formula One:**

- The conversation touches upon Verstappen's long-term plans and whether he will continue in Formula One or explore other racing series.
- Giedo van der Garde believes that Verstappen will eventually pursue other racing disciplines, such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Daytona 24 Hours, once he has achieved his goals in Formula One.
- Verstappen's desire to race with his father, Jos Verstappen, in the future is also mentioned.

**Recognizing Verstappen's Achievements:**

- The experts discuss the need to fully appreciate Verstappen's accomplishments, given his exceptional performances and dominance in recent seasons.
- Tom Bellingham emphasizes the significance of Verstappen's achievements, comparing them to those of Lewis Hamilton and highlighting the difficulty of maintaining such a high level of success.
- Giedo van der Garde attributes Verstappen's success to his dedication, focus, and ability to extract the maximum potential from his car.

**Expectations for Verstappen at the Italian Grand Prix:**

- The podcast concludes with predictions for Verstappen's performance at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
- Giedo van der Garde expresses confidence in Verstappen's ability to secure pole position and win the race, potentially extending his record-breaking streak of consecutive victories.
- Tom Bellingham acknowledges the challenge posed by Ferrari at Monza, but believes that Verstappen remains the favorite for victory, given his current form and the Red Bull team's strength.