F1 News: Max Verstappen Could Still Win In A "S***box" According To Former Mercedes Chief
In a revealing interview with OLBG, former Mercedes CEO Nick Fry shared his insights on Max Verstappen's unparalleled dominance in Formula 1. Fry discussed the potential of a one-off race with standardised cars, acknowledging the challenges but ultimately highlighting Verstappen's adaptability and skill as key factors in his success.
Key Takeaways:
- Idea of a One-Off Standardised Car Race: Fry entertained former F1 driver Johnny Herbert's suggestion for a race where drivers compete in identical vehicles, recognising the concept's intrigue but noting the logistical and sponsorship hurdles that make it impractical.
- Verstappen's Unmatched Skill: Despite the theoretical level playing field a one-off race might offer, Fry believes Verstappen's adaptability and talent would still set him apart, suggesting that the Dutchman's ability to excel in any car underscores his current standing as the top driver.
- The Influence of Car Performance: Acknowledging the significant role of the car in F1 success, Fry pointed out that while Verstappen's skill is undeniable, the synergy between him and the superior Red Bull car amplifies his dominance, evidenced by his staggering win record in the previous season.
Fry's commentary during the interview provided a candid look at the dynamics of Formula 1 racing and the factors that contribute to a driver's success. He said:
"Johnny Herbert's idea of having a one-off race where everybody drives the same car would be a good one if it was practical!
"Those kinds of ideas have been toyed with in the past, but the issues lie in the sponsorships, which are so closely tied to drivers and cars. That's where it gets difficult."
He continued to underscore Verstappen's exceptional talent, stating:
"Unfortunately, I would have to say that Verstappen is showing that he is the best driver at the moment, and I don't think it would matter much.
"It could even play into his hands, because he’s shown he's good enough to be very adaptable and would probably drive any of the cars better than his competitors."
Fry elaborated on Verstappen's adaptability with a poignant remark:
"I heard someone say once, 'If you can drive, you can drive anything'. I don't think it would matter if you put Max in a s***box or a Red Bull car, he'd probably still beat the rest of them. He's very adaptable. I don't think it would change much, sadly."
Reflecting on the potential of Verstappen starting from the back, Fry opined:
"If you started Max at the back of the grid, he'd still do better than most, but perhaps he wouldn't win. A lot of it is due to the car. Red Bull has the best driver and the best car."
Verstappen's achievements, particularly in the 2023 season where he won an astounding 19 out of 22 races, have led to the Dutchman securing his third consecutive drivers' championship title.