Max Verstappen’s speed is considered equivalent to a €10 million upgrade by his former boss, making him a valuable asset in Formula 1.
- Despite not having the fastest car, Verstappen’s relentless spirit keeps him competing closely with top racers like Oscar Piastri in the F1 2025 season.
- Verstappen’s unique skills and speed advantage are seen as more beneficial than typical car developments, according to Franz Tost.
- Many teams, including Mercedes and Aston Martin, are highly interested in acquiring Verstappen due to his exceptional driving talent and mental strength.
- Speculations about his potential move are rampant, with performance clauses and team updates playing a crucial role in his future.
Max Verstappen’s outstanding speed is valued at an astounding €10 million in car development terms, as stated by his former Formula 1 boss. This assessment underscores Verstappen’s significance in the racing arena. Although Verstappen does not possess the fastest car in the championship, his unyielding determination remains a key factor as he trails just 12 points behind Oscar Piastri after the first five races of the 2025 F1 season.
Franz Tost, Verstappen’s first F1 team boss at the then-Toro Rosso squad, praised the driver’s unique abilities. Tost, who led the team from its inception, recognized Verstappen’s talent early on and has continually admired his skills. Verstappen, now a four-time world champion, exemplified his prowess by winning last season in a car that was only the third or fourth fastest by the end of the year. While his current car, the RB21, lacks certain capabilities compared to the McLaren MCL39, Verstappen’s ability to drive three-tenths of a second faster per lap than anyone else compensates for these shortcomings.
Tost’s view, shared with Germany’s F1-Insider.com, is that Verstappen’s speed could allow him to win even with an inferior vehicle. He recounted a test where Verstappen drove a Ferrari GT racing car two seconds faster than other drivers. Tost attributes Verstappen’s success to his exceptional feel for speed and unmatched vehicle control, attributes that are priceless to any Formula 1 team. He noted that achieving a typical 0.3-second improvement in a car’s lap time would cost a team approximately €10 million over a year, making Verstappen’s natural ability all the more invaluable.
The racing world is abuzz with speculation about Verstappen’s future moves, as his contract with Red Bull extends until 2028. Franz Tost, now an advisor at Red Bull, remains hopeful that Verstappen will continue with the team, although the driver’s allure is undeniable to competitors. Rumors hint at Mercedes and Aston Martin trying to secure him, and performance-based clauses might offer an opportunity for him to switch teams. Verstappen has publicly downplayed these prospects, but the whispers continue unabated.
Describing Verstappen as both naturally gifted and incredibly strong-willed, Tost emphasized the driver’s mental fortitude, which enables him to leverage his extraordinary skills at critical moments. Red Bull is keen to maintain its competitive edge by planning significant car updates for the Imola circuit, hoping they will enhance their vehicle’s capabilities further. The racing community eagerly awaits whether these changes will fortify Red Bull’s standing or prompt a significant shift in Verstappen’s career path.
Max Verstappen’s true strength lies not just in speed but in his unparalleled ability to leverage it, making him an invaluable asset to any team.
