Max Verstappen’s Mistake Something Hamilton Would’ve Done at McLaren: Former F1 Driver

Rain and Formula 1 races. Whenever these two entities cross paths, it sure produces a spectacle worth remembering for racing fans. But it can be a nightmare experience for the drivers as they are just 1 mistake away from potentially slipping out of the race.

Even the indomitable Max Verstappen suffered his fair share of spins in Turkey this time around. While trying to overtake Perez for P2 on Lap 18, he lost grip and did a 360 at Turn 9.

Is this inexperience, desperation, or both for Max Verstappen?

Max, by his own admission, did not have a great outing in Turkey. Red Bull’s Dr. Helmut Marko firmly laid the blame on the driver for his ‘impatience’.

Formula 1 columnist Jolyon Palmer, however, was a little more sympathetic towards the Dutchman. Trying to justify the move, Palmer said –

“Verstappen had been frustrated behind Vettel for so long in the first stint. And he knew the importance of clearing Perez when he had the chance, but here he took a risk too great by following him too closely into the corner.

“This move was probably the sort of risk that Lewis Hamilton might have taken in his earlier McLaren years, but wouldn’t now with the benefit of more experience.”

It probably was Max’s race to win and as the former Renault driver correctly pointed out –

“Had he been more cautious through Turn 11, it was probably a matter of time before he could pass Perez anyway and he would have been challenging for the lead, against an ailing Lance Stroll who was struggling with his inters.”

Could Max leave Red Bull?

It is important to note that the driver’s erratic outing in Turkey wasn’t completely his fault. A major front-wing glitch resulted in him having less downforce than his rivals.

As much as the F1 world may want to hype him up, he really isn’t competing for the championship with the Mercedes duo. The ‘Silver Arrows’ had a far superior car than anyone else on the grid this time around.

ALSO READ- Major Red Bull Botch Cost Max Verstappen Dearly During the Turkish Grand Prix

Honda is stopping all its operations in F1 at the end of next year when the new regulation kicks in. To add insult to injury, Renault is the only manufacturer eligible to supply them with engines.

These are testing times for the Red Bull. One that may see its star driver heading for the exit door.