<< Return to the news list

Van der Garde: "Verstappen ready to beat Hamilton"

Published on 22 Dec 2017 08:52
7
By: Rob Veenstra

Max Verstappen developed as both a person and a driver in 2017. That is the view of former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde, as he contemplated the solidifying stardom of the 20-year-old Dutchman.

"I think Max grew a lot as a person, because he had to deal with all those disappointments on the track," the former Caterham driver told Formule 1. "I think he also grew considerably as a driver," van der Garde said of the Red Bull driver. "In qualifying he made an important extra step."

Van der Garde said he thinks Verstappen is therefore ready to take on Lewis Hamilton for the title. "Hamilton is of course a really good driver, as we saw again this year. But I think Max can handle him." (GMM)

F1 News Max Verstappen Lewis Hamilton

Replies (7)

boudy

Posts: 1,168
I agree, his performance this year was extremely high. The only negative was Hungary where he wiped out RIC. He again improved on the year before winning twice. He's the guy to have driving for your team if you can't have the current no1 and that's why RedBull secured him for 3 years.
- + 0
- Dec 22 2017 - 13:19
ajpennypacker

Posts: 2,475
I think Verstappen very highly. I think he could potentially beat anyone in one race. However, I wonder how he would handle pressure over a season. He still seems to make some poor errors of judgment, and that's without fighting under real pressure for a championship. But again, he will keep getting better.
- + 0
- Dec 22 2017 - 17:05
- boudy
  
  Posts: 1,168
  indeed AJ. We currently do not know how VER will act if that unique situation (ie fighting for WC). I find that the way that he handled himself in some cases was better than the likes of HAM, VET or ALO. All of those drivers had similar types of issues with judgement the only difference is him being a lot younger.
  
  He seems to handle the pressure OK of leading a race and he's already excellent in Qualifying.
  + 0
  
  Dec 22 2017 - 17:28
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  If the 2018 Red Bull is strong and the Renault unit doesnt hold them down, he could very well be a shoe in for a title, or at least a top 4 spot. I'd love to see Vettel Ricciardo and Vettel hunt Hamilton down.
  + 0
  
  Dec 22 2017 - 18:33
blade

Posts: 341
Not seeing it - wouldn't surprise me if RIC heads him again in 2018. He's talented and fast, give him another couple of years then he will be a real force.
- + 0
- Dec 22 2017 - 18:40
- rastaman44
  
  Posts: 17
  I agree. He needs at least two years to mature. Verstappen, while talented, is not ready to handle the year long pressure that comes with a WDC title race. Hamilton would destroy him RIGHT NOW. Just saying !!!
  + 0
  
  Jan 8 2018 - 08:07
boudy

Posts: 1,168
Almost all races he was in front of RIC. He beat him in qualifying and in most the races where he did not finish he stopped in front of him. Yes they are close but he seems to have the edge on him. Great driver line-up.
- + 0
- Dec 26 2017 - 18:05