How to Race Max Verstappen: A Battle of Trust on the Track
Introduction
In the aftermath of the Austrian Grand Prix collision between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, the racing world found itself debating not only Formula One’s racing rules but also Verstappen’s aggressive racing style. While Norris initially expressed disappointment and criticized Verstappen’s on-track behavior, he later admitted that the battle was largely enjoyable. This led to the question: How do you race Max Verstappen? Let’s delve deeper into Verstappen’s history of hard racing, recent changes in his approach, and the need for trust between drivers on the track.
Verstappen’s History of Hard Racing
Since his debut in 2015 at the age of 17, Verstappen has established himself as one of the most challenging drivers to race against. His aggressive tactics have made him difficult to attack and defend against. His moves under braking, in particular, sparked annoyance among his peers in 2016, leading to a temporary amendment to the rules known as the ‘Verstappen rule.’ However, this amendment was dropped in 2017 to allow more freedom on the track. Despite this, Verstappen maintained his reputation for tough on-track moves, which was evident in his intense fight against Lewis Hamilton for the championship in 2021.
A Change in Approach
In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in Verstappen’s racing style. Perhaps due to the performance advantage of the car he drives, he has displayed more patience and maturity in wheel-to-wheel battles. However, his aggressive approach during the Austrian Grand Prix reignited the debate about whether the “old” Verstappen had returned. It prompted discussions about whether racing rules needed to be tightened to prevent dangerous maneuvers.
Insights from Fellow Drivers
When asked about racing Verstappen, Norris acknowledged that he has a different way of racing compared to others and described it as being “on the limit.” However, he also recognized that Verstappen’s style is what makes him a champion. Other drivers, such as George Russell and Charles Leclerc, echoed similar sentiments, stating that they wouldn’t change their approach when racing Verstappen. Daniel Ricciardo, who had close battles with Verstappen during their time as teammates at Red Bull, emphasized that intense battles are to be expected when fighting for a win.
The Debate over Racing Rules
Andrea Stella, the McLaren team principal, called for tighter racing rules to address Verstappen’s moves on track. However, most drivers did not support this notion. They believed that the existing rules were clear and that the trust between drivers on the track was crucial. Fernando Alonso, a veteran driver, emphasized the need for trust in high-pressure situations, such as fighting for world championships. The consensus among drivers was that strict regulations would hinder their ability to race freely while still prioritizing safety.
The Importance of Trust
Trust emerged as a central theme in the discussion of racing Verstappen. Drivers acknowledged that while they might receive less room on the track when battling against him, the trust remained intact. Verstappen himself emphasized the importance of trust and how it allows drivers to push the boundaries without crossing the line into reckless behavior. He expressed confidence that Norris understood this and expected their friendship to withstand their on-track battles.
Conclusion
Racing Max Verstappen requires an understanding of his unique style and a level of trust between drivers on the track. While Verstappen’s aggressive tactics have at times sparked controversy, recent years have seen a more measured approach from the Dutch driver. Fellow drivers recognize the need to maintain trust and acknowledge that intense battles are part of the sport. Rather than calling for stricter regulations, drivers emphasize the importance of allowing drivers to race freely while ensuring safety remains a priority. Ultimately, racing Verstappen is a battle of skill, strategy, and trust on the track.