Max Verstappen’s prowess on the Formula 1 track is undeniable, but just how much of a difference does he make?
- Tom Coronel claims Verstappen adds ‘two-tenths’ to performance simply by being behind the wheel.
- Wet-weather driving is highlighted as a key strength contributing to this ‘Verstappen factor.’
- Verstappen’s driving style significantly influences car development, often to the detriment of his teammates.
- Damon Hill predicts Verstappen will clinch his fourth Drivers’ Championship by a whisker this season.
As Max Verstappen continues to contend with fierce competition in the 2024 F1 season, Dutch racer and pundit Tom Coronel is convinced that Verstappen’s mere presence is worth an additional ‘two-tenths’ in performance. Coronel suggests this ‘Verstappen factor’ has grown over the years, leveraging Verstappen’s dominance as a three-time World Champion and his efforts to fend off resurgent McLaren and Mercedes teams.
Coronel elaborates that Verstappen offers a complete package for performance gains, with his expertise shining especially in wet conditions. “I’m really firmly convinced that, if you have Max in your team, you just gain an extra two-tenths,” said Coronel on the RacingNews365 podcast. “We’ve always seen that. We’ve seen that for years and even in the rain. Verstappen is just worth two-tenths.”
Another dynamic contributing to the ‘Verstappen factor’ is his impact on teammates. Verstappen’s driving style and preferences heavily influence car development at Red Bull, often putting pressure on those sharing the garage with him. Coronel notes that Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon struggled to retain their spots, and current teammate Sergio Perez is also under considerable stress.
Coronel explains that engineers build the car to meet Verstappen’s precise specifications, favoring a sharp front end. “Max specifies exactly what he needs from a car, so as Max’s teammate it does come in handy to have the same driving style,” said Coronel. “Ultimately, the car will be made for the person who can win with it, and that’s Max.” This dynamic often leaves teammates who prefer a more stable rear end, like Perez, at a disadvantage.
Red Bull finds itself in a strong position for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships in 2024, but the margin for error has narrowed. McLaren is just 42 points behind in the Constructors’ Championship, and Lando Norris trails Verstappen by 78 points in the Drivers’ standings. Damon Hill predicts Verstappen will secure his fourth successive title by a narrow margin, but believes McLaren might snatch the Constructors’ crown. “Who’s going to win the Drivers’ Championship? I think it’s going to be Max by a whisker,” Hill said on the F1 Nation podcast, adding that it will likely be determined around the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Hill acknowledges the role of luck, noting that even a minor setback can drastically affect standings. Should Verstappen clinch the title, he will match Sebastian Vettel’s record of four consecutive championships with Red Bull from 2010-2013.
The ‘Verstappen factor’ significantly impacts both his team and individual performance, making Max Verstappen a formidable force in Formula 1.
