Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur challenges Verstappen’s assertion he could dominate in another F1 car, citing inseparable driver-car dynamics.
Max Verstappen is undeniably a talented driver, but could he really have won the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship in a different car?
The Dutchman himself has claimed he could have been champion in the McLaren F1 even earlier than with Red Bull, and probably with Ferrari as well. But perhaps not with Mercedes.
So, Verstappen as the 2024 World Champion in the Ferrari SF-24? The question was put to Fred Vasseur, and the Scuderia’s director categorically dismissed the idea.
“It makes no sense to think or say that Verstappen would have achieved the same results in another team because it’s impossible to separate a driver’s performance from that of their car. Too many factors come into play.”
To illustrate his point, Vasseur speculated on what might have happened if Verstappen had driven for McLaren.
“It’s nonsensical to say Verstappen would have won with McLaren as well because the quality level of the Woking team also depends on the feedback and work done with their current drivers.”
“Of course, Verstappen could have stepped into a Ferrari or a McLaren and been very competitive, but perhaps it wouldn’t have suited him.”
“In 2022 and 2023, Red Bull was significantly better. When you have a six-tenths margin at the front, you can make mistakes, and no one notices, and you’re glorified.”
“This year, however, a small mistake was enough to drop the Milton Keynes team to sixth place.”
Vasseur, nevertheless, had praise for the driver who clinched the title.
“What impressed me about Verstappen this year was his ability to deliver the best even when they were struggling.”
“And that’s a lesson for us, because in such a competitive environment over a season, there are races where we are not the strongest, but we must maximize the result.”
“To win, you need to make a difference when you’re not in the right place. That’s where he stood out.”
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Could Verstappen Win Without Red Bull? Vasseur Says No Could Verstappen Win Without Red Bull? Vasseur Says No. f1 2024 Could Verstappen Win Without Red Bull? Vasseur Says No
