Golden Boy Max Verstappen Labelled Less “Complete” in the Shadow of Red Bull F1 Predecessor Sebastian Vettel

Red Bull Racing has given F1 two of its most dominant young world champions. Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. Many have cited the similarities between Vettel and Verstappen’s times at Red Bull. Yet, Vettel’s former race engineer at Red Bull – Guillaume Rocquelin aka ‘Rocky’ spoke about particular contrasts while comparing both drivers.

Rocquelin recently appeared on Eurosport France’s podcast ‘Les Fous du Volant’ and spoke about the two Red Bull World Champions.

He mentioned, “I think Sebastian was a more complete rider than Max when he arrived with us. On a professional, technical level… He asked many questions, took many notes and when he arrived with us he was very thorough,” [translated via Google Translate]

Rocky was Vettel‘s race engineer during his consecutive 4 world championships at Red Bull. After the German left in 2014, he got promoted as Chief Race Engineer in 2015. Post the 2022 Australian GP, he was given the responsibility of handling the Drivers’ Academy.

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The French engineer went on to point out the key contrast between Vettel and Verstappen. He said, “It’s no coincidence that he won several titles. He was more prepared technically and mentally. I think Max maybe has more natural talent, and that’s what he trusted more, but Sebastian was the most complete.” [translated via Google Translate]

Rocquelin’s assessment of Max Verstappen in contrast to Sebastian Vettel

Rocky has been involved with the Austrian team over both Vettel and Verstappen’s time with Red Bull. He echoed the sentiment that Verstappen is a generational talent. However, he lacks the technical aspects needed for car development through driver feedback. He went on to say that Max is technically “weak” and has a long way to progress on that front.

The Red Bull Academy chief said, “Max has always been a boss. He has enormous self-confidence, knows what he wants and is very direct.”

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In reference to Verstappen’s race craft and overall technical ability, he did say that the Dutchman has “matured” a lot since winning his first title in 2021. Nonetheless, the Frenchman has given him ‘homework’ to improve his technical abilities and knowledge.

Rocquelin concluded on Max by saying that he has naturally been a leader, owing to his attitude and his performance. If he can sort out and improve his technical abilities related to car development, he can equal or even surpass what Vettel did during his time at Milton Keynes.

Max Verstappen’s Clinical and Dominant 2022 campaign

In 2022, the Dutch prodigy has seen visible signs of a focused approach at every race. He has adopted a calculated approach to maximize his results on track in dynamic circumstances. An approach followed by multiple World champions like Vettel, Hamilton, and Alain Prost has certainly paid off for Max with a dominant 2022 title, clinched at Suzuka this year.

The race craft, speed, and sheer dominance on track are visible signs of how similar the Red Bull champions have been. With Verstappen having sealed two back-to-back titles, he is halfway there on Vettel’s achievements. Can the Dutchman manage to emulate Vettel’s feat of 4 consecutive championships?