A driver from another era, but not only…
It was an authentic display of dominance in Baku, following closely on the heels of his victory at Monza, where he managed to put a staggering 20 seconds between himself and the McLaren cars. Behind this renewed competitiveness – even in terms of challenging for second place in the Constructors’ Championship – lies significant credit to the team. At Monza, Red Bull introduced a new floor that brought a clear step forward, improving the balance of the RB21. This upgrade has made it easier for engineers to find the right setup and refine the car during fine-tuning sessions.
From the last two races, the Milton Keynes outfit has emerged stronger, earning the status of the team with the best low-downforce car on the grid. In this sense, the next stop in Singapore will be the crucial test to confirm the progress made by Verstappen and Red Bull. On the other hand, expectations point toward the return of a dominant McLaren, since Marina Bay is a high-downforce track packed with slow corners where tire degradation will once again become a decisive factor. In short, it is a McLaren circuit through and through.
Super Max? No, Mega Max
Today Max Verstappen turns 28, yet the impression he gives is that of a driver belonging to a different era. Monza and Baku have been the scenes of domination, but they were also moments between two trips to the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife, an iconic track for motorsport enthusiasts.
This is something from which perhaps other drivers should take inspiration, learn and adapt. Because a four-time World Champion who gets behind the wheel of a GT car is not doing it for money, sponsors, or visibility, but for pure passion. The same passion that keeps him glued to the simulator whenever he returns home; the same passion that brought him back – and to victory – at the Green Hell this weekend, just 14 days after obtaining the license required to compete in GT3 races.
He may not be the most popular driver in Formula 1, but for those who truly love racing, a driver like Max Verstappen is nothing short of a spectacle. A competitor whose feats, both inside and outside the Formula 1 paddock, we will one day look back on as unforgettable moments in the history of motorsport.
Leave a Reply