Max Verstappen has been called a generational talent. The Dutch Lion. Red Bull’s savior. And all these titles, including his two F1 championships are ones he wears with pride. But there’s a lot spoken about the DNA of the driver. He has been pulled apart and people want to know what makes Verstappen who he is.
A popular argument simply lies in his genetics. The man was born to race. Even in his free time, Verstappen can be found sim racing for the Red Bull team. It’s this relentless chase to the finish line that can be found coursing through his bloodstream and has made him, arguably, the best driver on the grid.
Max Verstappen wins GOAT debate with just one argument
A lot has been said about Verstappen’s upbringing under the wings of his father, Jos. Being the son of a F1 driver, comes with its cons, as Verstappen has often revealed the rigorous training he was put through as a child; it has often been a controversial discussion.
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However, not enough credit is given to Sophie Kumpen. With a stellar karting career to her name, she can’t be shadowed in the making of a champion.
In conversation with David Coulthard for the Formula For Success podcast, former F1 boss Eddie Jordan delves into Kumpen’s impact on Verstappen. “He sees the performance of his mother, the speed of his mother, and how she went about her business.”
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Reflecting on their conversations with the champ, Jordan reveals, “If you actually sit down with Max, he’s gone to say, he’s got the inspiration from both. But, I can still see the following on, that it was the mum. She was a great talent in karting.”
Thus with the genetic gifts he was bestowed with, his natural knack of racing was only boosted. This entices Jordan to make the statement of the decade. “In time, he will turn out to be the greatest driver of all time.”
Jordan backs F1 GOAT statement
Calling Verstappen the greatest driver might not be welcomed by a good chunk of the F1 community. But Eddie Jordan gives his reasoning; and if the last two seasons weren’t reason enough, Jordan’s praise for Verstappen does the job.
“He has such a phenomenal attitude in the car. He’s aggressive when he needs to be aggressive. He’s tough when he needs to be tough, but he’s clever as well. He knows how to look after the car.” Further, Jordan believes Verstappen just needs to hope Red Bull stays strong through their losses, which it is.
“With the people Christian [Horner] there, Adrian Newey there, I see no problem in the short term. And I see Max going from strength to strength and I would not like to be a driver in Formula 1 at the moment, hoping to become a world champion, cause I don’t know where it’s going to come from.”
Thus, with the perfect team and his beast-like mentality, Verstappen truly is, inevitable. Only time will tell if he reaches the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher, but you shouldn’t bet against it.
