Max Verstappen’s disregard for rivals may seem controversial, but Mika Häkkinen sees it as central to his winning formula.
Mika Häkkinen believes that Max Verstappen’s lack of regard for his rivals and for respecting the rules on track is, nonetheless, one of the Dutch driver’s strengths. While he has clashed this year on track with Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and George Russell, the Red Bull driver is now just one penalty point away from a suspension.
“Max is impressive with his raw speed and the control he has over the car. He is brave, fears no one, and respects no one, but I don’t mean that negatively — it’s actually an asset,” says Häkkinen, who explains the challenges his rivals face when battling him.
“That’s his driving style. A lot of people don’t like it, but his rivals, in order to beat him, must be smart and find the right strategy. They certainly can’t expect him to change.”
The Finn is impressed by the overall level of the Formula 1 grid: “Today, the level of the drivers is very high. Many of them can win the world championship. The competition is very tough.”
Despite the fact that modern F1 cars allow drivers to improve thanks to all the tools available for understanding the mechanics and how they work, Häkkinen still believes that talent remains the key differentiator.
“Today, technology allows drivers to reach very high levels. With commitment, one can become a good driver, but talent is something you are born with. And today, there are several exceptional talents in F1.”
