Max Verstappen sees similarities between his own driving style and that of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher. The comparison between the two drivers was frequently made after the controversial Grand Prix of Mexico, where Verstappen received two time penalties for his ‘aggressive’ actions against Lando Norris. Schumacher also often faced criticism for ‘aggressive’ driving.
Verstappen engaged in a battle with rival Lando Norris right from the start of the Grand Prix in Mexico, with the British driver ultimately coming out on top. The Red Bull driver tried to keep the McLaren driver behind him in the tenth lap, but according to the stewards, he went too far. Verstappen received two ten-second time penalties for his actions against Norris, as well as criticism from experts and colleagues for his ‘aggressive’ driving style.
However, Verstappen is not the first world champion to be criticized in this way. Former world champions Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna were also often labeled as too aggressive on the track. Does Verstappen therefore see the criticism as a compliment? “I don’t care about compliments, I want to win,” the Dutchman clearly states, speaking to the German BILD.
Still, the Limburger does see similarities with Schumacher. “I always give everything! That’s probably what connects me with drivers like Michael. He never left a stone unturned to maximize his chances of success,” Verstappen explains. “Both in the car with his driving style and outside when it came to developing the car. There’s no room for fear, but you also have to use your common sense.”
No Sleepless Nights
The Red Bull driver is certainly not losing sleep over his ongoing title fight with Norris, even though the Brit reduced the gap to 47 points after the race in Mexico. “Lando is a very good driver, but there is not one major rival who is making my life a hell,” says Verstappen. “The teams are too close to each other to always make it a one-on-one battle. Every weekend is different. Some cars perform better on some circuits than on others. It’s the same with drivers.
