F1 News: Max Verstappen Is On Par With Lewis Hamilton And Michael Schumacher According To Former Driver

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert defends Max Verstappen against claims his current dominance is purely down to the success of the RB20.

Nov 18, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Red Bull Racing Honda driver Max Verstappen of Netherlands (1) / Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

In a recent defence of Max Verstappen's impressive track record, former F1 driver Johnny Herbert attributed Verstappen's success not just to the Red Bull cars but to his exceptional driving skills, likening him to legends like seven-time champions Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher.

Key Takeaways:

• Johnny Herbert asserts that Max Verstappen's dominance in F1 is due to his exceptional driving skill, not just the Red Bull RB19 and RB20's capabilities.
• Verstappen is compared to F1 legends like Lewis Hamilton, Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Fernando Alonso for his ability to maximise the potential of his car.
• Despite Sergio Perez's talent, Herbert believes he does not match up to Verstappen's prowess.

Nov 18, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen of The Netherlands (1) / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Formula 1 has always been graced by drivers whose sheer talent elevates them to legendary status, names like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Lewis Hamilton. It appears now that Max Verstappen has rightfully earned his place among these champions. Herbert, a seasoned former F1 driver, recently spoke out in defence of Verstappen, amidst discussions attributing the Dutchman's recent triumphs solely to the superior Red Bull racing machines, the RB19 and RB20.

Herbert stated:

"People are saying that Red Bull has the best car, which it has. But he is driving the actual wheels off it. He is performing at such a high level that he makes the difference. That is where the likes of Max [Verstappen], Lewis [Hamilton], [Ayrton] Senna, Michael Schumacher, Mika [Hakkinen] and [Fernando] Alonso make that difference. They are those rare beasts who can get the best out of the car every time they get in it."

Nov 16, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Red Bull Racing driver Sergio Perez of Mexico (11) arrives / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Comparing Verstappen with his teammate, Sergio Perez, Herbert noted:

"Sergio Perez is not a bad driver at all but he is nowhere near as good as Max. He is driving the best I have ever seen and we haven’t seen the best of him."

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