Former Ferrari driver Eddie Irvine has heaped praise on Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, and highlighted the similarities between him and the legendary Michael Schumacher.
Verstappen has never won a world title before, but with the way things are going this season, he might clinch his first. He has had a spectacular start to the season, and his fearless racing and Red Bull’s improvement have backed that up.
This is his fifth season at Red Bull, and he has seen four teammates come and go. As such, Irvine has praised him for his growth and performances. He also compared him to his teammate at Ferrari, Michael Schumacher.
Irwine highlighted how Verstappen has always outperformed his teammates, something Schumacher used to do as well.
“He’s always been super-fast, and you can see that he’s by far the most dominant team leader on the grid,” Irvine explained.
“He’s had many, many different second drivers in the team, and none of them have got close to him. So it’s a bit like the Michael Schumacher effect.
“While Lewis has been regularly outqualified and outperformed by his teammates, you’d have to say Verstappen is probably the ultimate talent, although Lewis is a consummate professional and has very few weak spots,” he highlighted.
Two titans at war
Although Irvine hailed Verstappen for the season he is having, he still reckons Hamilton is the driver to beat. He also suggested the rivalry between the two will make for a spectacular watch.
“The 2021 season so far has been amazing,” Irvine said.
“Verstappen is definitely the fastest driver out there at the minute, but you have to say Lewis Hamilton is probably still the top driver. It’s been fantastic to watch those two guys go at it. I think it’s going to be a great season,” he concluded.
Should Verstappen continue having the season he is having, he will be staring at a maiden world title. He will look to continue from where he left off in France, where F1 heads to next. With Hamilton closely behind him, there is no room for error.
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