Former F1 Driver Reflects on the ‘Nonsense’ Talk About Max Verstappen During His F3 Days

Max Verstappen is involved in a tight and intense battle for the championship with Lewis Hamilton. The Red Bull driver was leading the race for most of the 11 races, but two successive crashes have stopped his train. However, former F1 driver Gerhard Berger believes Verstappen has a good shot at winning the title.

The former McLaren driver stated Verstappen should not underestimate the might of Mercedes and Hamilton. Berger mentioned he has been impressed with the Red Bull driver’s talent from the first time he saw him racing.

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Former F1 driver amazed with Max Verstappen since Formula 3

As reported by Speedweek, Berger mentioned that he first saw Verstappen’s skills in the Formula 3 series. He also believes that Jos Verstappen has played a huge role in the development of Max as a driver.

“I watched him early on. The first person who drew my attention to him was my former competitor, Huub Rothengatter,” said Berger. [translated by Google].

“In Max’s Formula 3 days, when I handled the youngsters’ series in the FIA, his huge talent was crystal clear. He particularly impressed me during a race in Imola. Many said he had a more powerful engine, which was nonsense. He was simply better, also overtook on the meadow. 

“Max got a tough school from his papa, Jos. In the meantime, for me, he’s not only outstanding as a driver but also as a guy. I like him.” said Berger on the role of Jos in Max’s career.

Read More: Max’s early karting career

The duel for the title will cost those involved a lot of energy: Gerhard Berger

F1 is introducing the new regulations in the 2022 season. So the teams might have to comprise the 2021 season for the development of the 2022 cars. But Berger believes that the top two teams have enough staff to manage both seasons nicely.

“The duel for the title will cost those involved a lot of energy. The two top teams will not have a disadvantage in the development of the new cars because of this, they handle it with their staff. “

He concluded by saying that the 2021 title fight might go down to the last race of the season. “I’ve seen many duels in Formula 1, but this is unique, with the two top drivers, the technical geniuses behind them, with Wolff against Marko – they are all outstanding professionals who ensure an unbelievable starting position. I wouldn’t be surprised if the decision wasn’t made until Abu Dhabi.”

Mercedes are currently leading Red Bull by 12 points in the constructor’s title, while Verstappen is 8 points behind Hamilton in the drivers’ standings.

Can Max and Red Bull overcome Mercedes in 2021? Let us know.