“But You Must Not Forget He’s Young”: Toto Wolff Predicted Years Ago That Max Verstappen Will Have a Change of Heart With Due Time in F1

Max Verstappen is a Formula 1 world champion and is probably one of the most fierce competitors on the track. The Dutch lion is as aggressive as they come and his career so far is proof of that. We’re not sure where Verstappen gets this trait, but with his current record, no one is questioning his methods.

However, how sustainable is this aggressive attitude in the long run? Well, according to Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal, not very.

Talking to Nico Rosberg on his YouTube channel, the boss of the former world champion shared his thoughts on the winning attitude.

“I think you know narcissistic behavior and egomans fail eventually,” said Wolff. However, when Rosberg points out the “extreme narcissist” behavior of Verstappen, Wolff explains himself further.

He said, “Max’s behavior is self-confidence in a way that he would even seem sometimes over-confident, but you must not forget that he’s very young.” 

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Wolff also explained Verstappen’s attitude with an example of a collision with Valtteri Bottas at the 2018 Italian GP. During the race, Verstappen collided with Bottas and even commentator Martin Brundle agreed it was Verstappen’s fault. These mistakes were a recurring theme of Verstappen’s career early on.

However, keeping in mind that this conversation took place in March 2019, and now in 2022, a lot has changed.

Toto Wolff points out a key factor in the development of Max Verstappen

Ever since the conversation with Rosberg, Verstappen has become a world champion. More than that, he’s on course for his second world championship with nine races to go. In short, Verstappen has matured since the conversation between the current and former Mercedes men.

Exactly why Wolff’s comments about Verstappen from 2019 predicted the future spot on.

He said, “I think there is a certain degree of super-confidence that helps you in your ability to drive. But I think the older he gets, the more he matures and grows, he’s going to get that angle under control.”

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And control he did! The Dutchman looks to be a more mature driver as well so far in the season compared to last. Winning the championship has definitely taken a lot of pressure off of Verstappen’s shoulder as he cruises towards another.