8 Years After Starting F1 Career With Verstappen, Carlos Sainz Names “One Thing Max Never Lacked”

Certain talents transcend the racetrack to become national icons, capturing the hearts of fans and uniting them in a shared passion. One such phenomenon is Max Verstappen, the Dutch sensation with a staggering 11 wins out of 13 races this year, including a streak of 9 consecutive victories. Verstappen’s prowess has propelled him to the top of the WDC with a commanding 339 points. Having already secured two championships, he stands poised to clinch his third title this season. As Max’s dominance continues to flourish, it’s worth revisiting his journey through the eyes of his former teammate, Carlos Sainz. Sharing insights from their shared F1 debut in 2015, Sainz reflects on what sets Verstappen apart and the one aspect that has always been a constant in his career.

At the age of 25, Verstappen’s potential seems far from its zenith, indicating that this era could extend well into the future. Max Verstappen’s exceptional prowess has been evident from his early days in motorsport. His remarkable talent caught the attention of Red Bull, which fast-tracked his entry into F1 at the tender age of 17. This made him the youngest driver in the history of the sport, a record that still stands.

Despite concerns about his readiness, Verstappen’s exceptional car control and composure dispelled any doubts about his capability. Franz Tost, Verstappen’s first team boss at Toro Rosso (now AlphaTauri), affirmed, “Max Verstappen is one of the highest skilled drivers I’ve ever worked with.” Tost compared Verstappen’s skillset to that of Sebastian Vettel. To back this up, Carlos Sainz has also noted that the hype and expectations surrounding Verstappen were substantial, but not unwarranted.

According to Formula Passion, Sainz emphasizes, “If there was one thing Max never lacked, it was the expectations around him. I think he also had them well before his debut in Formula 1: even when he was in F3, he already had a lot of following. In his first year in Formula 1 he had a bang, so he doesn’t surprise me at all. Ever since I debuted him in 2015, eight years ago, I’ve always seen this load of expectations. And I understand that, because he’s a special talent and a rider who has done really well from the start.” [translated via Google]

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Max Verstappen’s journey from a young prodigy to a dominant force in F1 has been shaped by his natural ability, relentless dedication, and a magnetic presence that extends beyond the racetrack. With each passing victory and record-breaking achievement, he has affirmed his position as a special talent capable of delivering exceptional results.

Max Verstappen’s relentless confidence in racing

Max Verstappen stands out not just for his impressive accomplishments, but also for his unwavering confidence. At 20 years old, he became the youngest driver to start and win a GP. Verstappen finds amusement in discussions about it, considering doubts irrelevant. Recounting his early experiences, including his father’s nervousness during his karting debut, Verstappen emphasizes his focus on enjoying the moment and driving as fast as possible, dismissing the need for extensive mental training.

Max Verstappen’s racing journey started at the age of 7, on a karting track in the Netherlands. He vividly recalls his first race, where his father, Jos Verstappen, exhibited more nerves than he did. Despite his father’s apprehensions, Max’s calm approach led to a pole position and double victory.

The Dutchman’s enduring belief in his abilities roots back to his early karting days, during which he won 68 out of his first 70 races, embracing both triumphs and minor setbacks. His consistent optimism is reflected in his conviction that doubts have no place in his mindset. Verstappen’s approach to racing is marked by simplicity and a focus on driving to the best of his abilities.

Verstappen’s unwavering belief in his abilities, nurtured from a young age, underlines his commitment to enjoying the ride while striving for excellence on the track.

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