Former F1 Driver Doubts Max Verstappen’s Ability to Get ‘110%’ Out of a Mercedes Car

Max Verstappen has time and again displayed just why he is one of the best drivers on the grid. The Red Bull ace has made a habit of eking out massive results despite not having the best car on the grid, which goes to show just how much performance he has been extracting out of the car.

It’s no surprise then that fans tout him to make a move to Mercedes where he can actually challenge for the crown and perhaps succeed Lewis Hamilton’s dominion. But not everyone is convinced that Max would do as good a job at the Silver Arrows that he is doing at Red Bull.

Former F1 driver Kamui Kobayashi has his doubts. While acknowledging just how good Max has been, he isn’t sure that Verstappen will be able to extract the same amount of performance in a Mercedes.

The Japanese driver said, “I think Max fits this Red Bull car. (But) if he’s going to other teams, I’m not sure he can bring the performance as much as like Red Bull.

“For example, he is bringing performance in Red Bull more than 110%. But if he goes to Mercedes, I’m not sure he can bring the performance as much as 110%. Maybe he can manage 100% for sure. But I think it matters how you fit with the car.”

Also Read: Bahrain GP: Brundle Explains Why Max Verstappen Let Hamilton by Immediately

Max Verstappen would want to win a race in 2021 ASAP

The season opener didn’t quite go to plan for Max and Red Bull. They dominated pre-season testing and even all the sessions leading up to the race. But during the race was when their best plans unraveled. Mercedes produced a strategy masterclass with Hamilton’s help and secured what felt like an unlikely victory.

This was despite Max’s best efforts to win the race, who wasn’t too pleased with the decision that went against him late in the race. But he’ll want to move on from that as soon as possible and focus on the next race in Imola.

The title hasn’t slipped out of Max’s grasp yet. With 22 races to go, there is ample time left to mount a challenge. However, Verstappen would want to close the gap to Lewis and take the lead as soon as possible.

After the victory in Bahrain slipped out of his hands, Verstappen would desperately want revenge on April 18th at Imola.