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Pierre Gasly Explains Max Verstappen is Very Smart While Interpreting the Rules

Somin Bhattacharjee
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Brazilian Grand Prix 2024 podium, Max Verstappen Oracle Red Bull Racing starting number 1, Pierre Gasly BWT Alpine F1 Team starting number 10 Sao Paulo

Max Verstappen is different from every other driver on the grid. It’s not just that he is better than most, but also that he takes a different, rather aggressive approach while battling it out on the track, and more often than not, things work in his favor. Pierre Gasly knows why.

At 28 years old, Gasly knows well how Verstappen used to drive during his younger days in karting. He grew up going wheel-to-wheel with the Dutchman, and even then, he recalled ‘ending up on the grass’ on several occasions. It wasn’t because Verstappen was dirty, but that he knew how to play with the rules.

“I think we can all see, everyone who drove him in motorsport, that it was the same,” Gasly said, suggesting that even the likes of Charles Leclerc, Esteban Ocon, and all those in a similar age bracket would back him up.

“He is also very smart at using the rules and goes to extremes. And when you fight for a world championship, you also expect that from a man like him,” he added.

Verstappen is known for taking extreme measures to defend or attack, something that the F1 community saw plentiful during his 2021 battle with Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen was not afraid the push the track limits or push Hamilton off the track, even when it would land him a penalty.

The Red Bull driver knew how to work around the penalties too, and many times, they wouldn’t affect his races whatsoever. That is the risk Verstappen was always willing to take, and that is why he is a three-time World Champion today.

Even in 2024, Verstappen’s battles with Lando Norris saw him make several gutsy moves, which often led to heated exchanges with the McLaren driver.

It is a driving style that Verstappen both loves and embraces. Despite criticism from some who label him as ‘overly aggressive,’ he has made it clear that he has no intention of changing his approach.

Post Edited By:Aishwary Gaonkar

About the author

Somin Bhattacharjee

Somin Bhattacharjee

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Basketball Editor Somin Bhattacharjee first discovered the game during the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Not long after, he turned to the NBA and found himself drawn to the Golden State Warriors — right at the start of Stephen Curry’s rise. Over time, the admiration turned into full-blown support for the team, one that continues even as the Curry era approaches its twilight. A true hoophead, Somin also follows EuroLeague basketball closely and enjoys exploring the game beyond the NBA. Though holding a bachelor's degree in marketing, Somin discovered his true calling in writing. Since 2021, he has penned over 3,000 articles for TheSportsRush, covering everything from breaking news to sharp opinion pieces and detailed exclusives. He thrives on writing about in-game moments and the reactions that make basketball a uniquely emotional sport. Beyond basketball, Somin plays different sports including soccer and remains a passionate fan of Spanish football giants Real Madrid

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