F1 News: How Michael Schumacher Pushed Max Verstappen To Dominate Over His Teammates

Who would have anticipated that Michael Schumacher's influence on Jos Verstappen would eventually shape the perspective of his son, Max Verstappen?

It is suggested that Michael Schumacher's team favoritism had an indirect influence on Max Verstappen from the start of his Formula 1 journey. Jos Verstappen, Max's father, observed the preferential treatment given to the top driver, which he did not experience himself. Subsequently, he imparted this lesson to his son, instilling the mindset of aspiring to be the best in the team to be given the number one priority. 

Jos believed that Schumacher received preferential treatment due to being a superior driver in 1994 when they raced together at Benetton. The unequal treatment may have left a lasting impact on Jos, a sentiment echoed by former F1 team manager Graham Watson, who recognized Jos as a "gifted driver."

Speaking to Dutch magazine Formule1.nl, Watson revealed:

“I think that Jos [Verstappen] felt that Michael Schumacher had better material and was favoured.

“I had the impression that Jos had difficulties accepting that, because he also was a very gifted driver."

Watson believes that Jos did not receive fair treatment at Benetton. This has contributed to Max's profound understanding of this aspect of the sport- to win over his teammate first. 

Therefore, if you take notice, Max has consistently demonstrated high competitiveness against his Formula 1 teammates. A recent example is Sergio Perez, whom he has defeated on most occasions over the past three years.

"First Beat Your Teammate"

In 2015, when Max embarked on his Formula 1 journey with Toro Rosso, Watson held the position of team manager. It was during this period that he observed the young driver embodying the lessons inherited from his father, prioritizing becoming the team's focal point. He added:

“Flavio had a strong bond with Michael, both sporting-wise and personal.

"That’s why I think Jos imprinted on Max very early on, that the first thing that you have to do is destroy his teammates. And we have seen that in recent years.

“It has to be your team, you have to be the man around whom it revolves. I’m convinced that you now also see this with Max: first beat your team mate, then win the title.

“To this day, I don’t think that Jos got a fair treatment at Benetton. And that has partly ensured that Max understands that aspect of the sport very well: he does not need better equipment, he wants the same equipment, talent will do the rest.”

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