Former racer and commentator David Coulthard is fascinated by the recent rise of Max Verstappen. After the Dutch GP at Zandvoort, the Red Bull driver was 104 points behind Oscar Piastri, but in the run-up to the season finale in Abu Dhabi, the gap to Lando Norris, the new World Championship leader, is only twelve points. An unprecedented comeback, according to Coulthard, who compares Verstappen’s comeback to that of rock icon Elvis Presley.
Verstappen’s resurgence coincided with Oscar Piastri’s slump in form, allowing the Dutchman to firmly establish himself in the title fight. On Sunday, he could become champion for the fifth time in a row, provided he can beat both McLaren drivers. Coulthard analyzed Verstappen’s resurrection and drew a striking parallel with none other than Elvis Presley.
Nobody can ignore Verstappen
Channel 4 asked Coulthard how to explain this comeback. “Max is quite assertive,” the Scot responded. “He can point out shortcomings within the team, but also within himself. That’s part of his character.” That’s why, according to him, the past period has been so special. “This is the biggest comeback since Elvis Presley’s TV special in 1968,” he compared Verstappen to The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. “It’s simply incredible.”
According to Coulthard, Verstappen has also polished his image. Over the past few years, many fans would have gotten a distorted view of him. “He has come out of it wonderfully and has actually changed the perception of many people who were not Max fans,” he continued. “They now have to acknowledge how strong and consistent he has been. There is no doubt that Max will walk into the paddock in Abu Dhabi whistling again.” However, the former driver warns of the power of McLaren. “It’s another circuit where McLaren won last year. The track suits their car perfectly on paper, so the cards are being reshuffled.”
