Former F1 driver Jaime Alguersuari praises Max Verstappen’s rare ability to adapt, thrive, and dominate even in tough car setups.
Former F1 driver Jaime Alguersuari has dismissed the idea that Red Bull designs its Formula 1 cars specifically around Max Verstappen. Instead, he believes it’s Verstappen’s extraordinary talent that allows him to perform at such a high level — even when the car isn’t perfect.
“There’s this narrative that the car is built around Max, but no engineer designs a car for one driving style,” Alguersuari told talkSPORT. “Every driver knows a car that understeers is slower than one that’s a bit oversteery and sharp.”
According to Alguersuari, setup work during a race weekend is a collaborative process between driver and engineer — adjusting things like ride height and weight distribution. But it’s the driver’s instinct and style that make the difference.
“Max has developed a unique driving style that’s precise and incredibly sharp. And what’s really amazing is how he manages problems during a race — things that would unsettle most drivers,” Alguersuari explained.
“He might start experiencing front-left graining or understeer, but the way he adapts and handles it is just on another level. No one else on the grid can do what he does.”
He stressed that it’s not about Red Bull building a car tailor-made for Verstappen. “Anyone can drive that car — the difference is Max knows exactly how to extract performance from it in every condition. That comes from years of experience, sharp instincts, and a deep understanding of the car.”
Alguersuari was particularly impressed by Verstappen’s drive in Australia, where the Dutchman overcame significant challenges in a car that, in his opinion, wasn’t even the best on the grid.
“He can drive in any situation — that’s it. He reads the car, he feels the tires, manages the race, and even off-track, he understands the technical side. That’s what sets him apart in modern F1.”
“There’s a lot of work that happens behind the scenes. When the helmet comes off, the real work begins — back at the factory, in meetings, understanding car dynamics. You can’t develop a winning machine without being part of that process.”
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Verstappen: No Car Built for Him, Just Pure Genius
Verstappen: No Car Built for Him, Just Pure Genius
