MAXMANIA

I have been involved in a few discussions over the social media, exchanging opinions on Verstappen’s Monaco weekend. For this I have decided to write my own, in the space that I have created for myself.

Young Max is a very good Formula One driver, young, but very talented. I was physically present when he raced for the first time in an open wheeler in Florida three years ago. By watching him under brakes, I immediately knew he could make the difference. Later that year I was there again at almost every F.3 race he run in Europe and again he did not stop surprising me, showing aggressiveness and speed. The rest is known to almost every motor racing fan in the world. To call him a champion, however, I would not dare. It takes time to become a champion like it takes time to become a good red wine. For sure you can uncork some superb stuff and drink it one or two years after it has been bottled, but it is not the same thing as a respectable French or Italian winemaker would tell.

Monaco has been a disaster for young Max; any other young driver committing the same crime, would have been wiped off the grid. However Max, who rightly benefits from Red Bull’s love and respect, will stay on that grid for a long time. The young dutchman admitted his mistakes and this alone makes him a fair player. I heard a few comments about his fearless attempts to show off being signs of greatness but I do not agree. For me they were just plain mistakes. I also read a quote from Jaques Villeneuve who said: “If he has to go over the limit to be fast, it means that he is not fast enough.” That sums it up, I believe.