Triumphing in the world championship duel against Lewis Hamilton at the end of the incredible 2021 season, Max Verstappen it has somehow certified a generational change typical of every sport: the ‘old’ champion who leaves the scepter to the young rampant. A trend that seems to be confirmed also in this start of the 2022 World Cup, with the leadership of the ranking occupied by another driver of the Circus ‘Next Gen’, the Monegasque Charles Leclerc. The Ferrari bishop is the same age as Verstappen and against the # 1 he dueled in both the first races of the championship. By winning his first career title, the Red Bull driver completed the evolution of thathuge raw talent which had pushed him to enter F1 while still a minor.
According to the former pilot Jenson Button, world champion in 2009 and now an appreciated television commentator, Verstappen himself is the driver with the most natural talent in the entire F1. A ‘gift’ that according to the English also depends on family genes: “I ran against his father – Button told a Sky Sports – my first points finish was in Brazil, in my second race. To get that point I had to overtake Jos. He wasn’t someone you wanted to piss off. There was a bit of aggression, he was an incredible talent: one of the best kart drivers ever. And from his mother, Sophie, I had been a teammate in karts. She was a true pro, so she is definitely in the blood“.
But being the most talented driver on the grid doesn’t automatically make Max Verstappen the best according to the former BAR, Brawn GP and McLaren driver. “Is he the most naturally gifted? Yes. Is he the best? I do not know whether he is the best driver who has ever lived, or [anche] if he’s the best in F1 now – explained Button – when you look at Lewis, you think he’s a much more complete driver with a lot more experience. Maybe that’s why. He [Verstappen] must work hard. Even if you think you are the best, there is still something you can do to grow. This is where Michael Schumacher was so strong“.
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