Max Verstappen might not have Formula 1’s fastest car this season, yet his relentless speed draws comparisons to a €10 million car upgrade, according to former boss Franz Tost.
Despite not having the swiftest vehicle in Formula 1, Max Verstappen remains a fierce contender for the championship, trailing just 12 points behind Oscar Piastri after the first five races of 2025. Franz Tost, his former team boss, attributes an extraordinary value to Verstappen’s capabilities. Tost, who once led the AlphaTauri team, compares Verstappen’s impact on the track to that of a multimillion-euro car upgrade.
Tost reminisces about Verstappen’s early days at Toro Rosso in 2014. The Dutchman’s ascendancy was swift, leading to his promotion to the senior Red Bull team in 2016. Since then, Verstappen has clinched four World Championships, with his ability to outperform seemingly faster cars being a constant headline.
Even with Red Bull’s occasional struggles in car development, such as with last year’s RB20, Verstappen’s skill propels his team to victories. Tost confidently states that Verstappen’s presence adds a crucial three-tenths of a second per lap, which he believes teams could only dream of achieving through typical updates. He emphasizes that securing such an advantage through car upgrades would be a long-term investment amounting to millions.
Verstappen’s innate feel for driving is evident. Tost recounts an incident where Verstappen, testing a Ferrari GT racing car, outpaced the competition by two seconds instantly. Such natural speed and mental strength are key to Verstappen’s superiority on the racetrack. These attributes might explain why top teams like Mercedes and Aston Martin keenly watch his movements, though he remains a Red Bull driver for now.
Amidst rumors about possible team switches, Verstappen’s loyalty to Red Bull is notable, yet Tost admits that his talent makes him a prized target for other teams. Red Bull’s imminent car updates, like the one planned for Imola, are eagerly anticipated to boost their performance. However, Verstappen’s decision-making will extend beyond mere contractual obligations, focusing instead on where he perceives the greatest success potential.
Max Verstappen’s ability to elevate any car’s performance demonstrates that while machines matter, driver skill can be equally transformative. As teams vie for his genius, Verstappen’s future decisions hold the promise of reshaping Formula 1 dynamics.
