Max Verstappen has firmly established himself as one of the standout Formula 1 drivers “of all time”.
Such is the perspective of Red Bull’s Dr. Helmut Marko, following Verstappen’s feat of equalling Sebastian Vettel’s past record by clinching his ninth consecutive victory at Zandvoort.
Even the renowned F1 figure, Fernando Alonso, who came in second with his revitalized Aston Martin, echoed the sentiment of a reporter who believes that Verstappen, at 25, currently stands unparalleled.
“I agree with the comment. It is underestimated sometimes what Max is achieving,” said the Spaniard.
“I think Max is achieving 100 percent more often than any of the drivers at the moment, so that’s why he is dominating.”
Verstappen’s recent triumph was amidst the heightened expectations of his home race, a celebration overwhelmingly centered around the double-time champion.
“You would think it would put him under a lot of pressure, but it doesn’t seem to bother him,” Marko relayed to Viaplay.
“The competition behind us has become stronger, but Max stays so focused. Formula 1 is his life. That’s what makes him so strong.”
The approaching weekend will see Verstappen aiming for a groundbreaking tenth win in succession.
“I don’t know any points that he can improve on,” Marko mentioned. “He stays so calm.”
“Of course it is difficult to compare different periods in Formula 1, but Verstappen is certainly one of the best drivers of all time,” the 80-year-old expressed.
Marko, in a conversation with Servus TV, also pointed out: “He shook the king’s hand, got into the car and did everything right.”
Yet, some opine that this magnitude of dominance might not benefit F1.
“If you think it’s boring, you have no idea,” Max’s father Jos remarked to De Telegraaf newspaper.
“Every race, Max has to perform at the top of his abilities and all details have to be right. Otherwise, you can’t do such a winning streak.
“But as soon as Max puts on his helmet, I know he’s on top of it. I’m never worried about him losing concentration.
“Everywhere he has gone this weekend it’s been ‘Max, Max, Max’. Everyone wants something from him. You have to be able to deal with that,” Verstappen Sr. elucidated.
In discussions with De Limburger newspaper, Max’s co-manager Raymond Vermeulen noted: “Max is a game-changer for Formula 1, which we see now attracts a completely different audience.”
