Former Red Bull driver David Coulthard still sees Max Verstappen as a title contender. Despite the Dutchman seemingly giving up hope on a fifth title after the Spanish Grand Prix, Coulthard believes that Verstappen only gets better under pressure. ‘He shows things you wouldn’t think possible,’ the former driver praises the four-time world champion.
While the Spanish Grand Prix ended in an unfortunate outcome and a tenth place for Max Verstappen, Oscar Piastri claimed the seventh Grand Prix victory of his career. The Australian continues to lead the championship with a 49-point advantage over the four-time world champion. David Coulthard also believes Piastri has ‘the best chance of winning the title’ this year. “Oscar seems to have everything he needs for success. Four victories in eight races speak volumes,” the Scot tells German BILD. Piastri even brought his total to five wins this season with his victory in Spain.
However, Coulthard warns that the prize is far from secured for the McLaren driver. “We’re only a third of the way through the season. The pressure will increase with each Grand Prix and the media and fans have ever higher expectations.” And then there’s Verstappen, ‘a rival who only gets better under pressure’, and therefore should not be ruled out in the title fight.
Just like Senna and Mansell
“Max is a machine,” Coulthard explains. “As a driver, he has the complete package and has the experience of four world championships. He shows things you wouldn’t think possible. In Japan, he beat the McLarens, even though they were the favorite.” The Scottish former F1 driver found the Dutchman’s latest action familiar. “It reminded me of my youth, when I watched Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell. Incredible things happened, just fantastic! Every time something like that happened, I jumped off the couch and screamed. That’s what Max is doing for me now.”
