F1 Legend Evaluates Max Verstappen: "Easier To Win"

Former F1 Champion and Formula 1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart shared an insight into the life of F1 drivers during his racing days in the 1960s and 1970s. Evaluating Max Verstappen, he expressed that it is much easier for drivers to win today than it was during his era.

Stewart won three out of the nine seasons he competed in. A fun fact is that he was the only British racing driver to achieve something like this until Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton matched his record in 2015.

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Speaking to Bild, Stewart takes us back in time to explain how challenging it was to race in his era when compared to the world of F1 today. Speaking of the fewer chances he received in a year to prove himself, he said:

“When I became world champion for the first time in 1969, we only competed in 11 grands prix. This year the calendar consisted of 24 races [although two were cancelled].

"Given the number, you can afford to have a bad weekend and still have a chance of winning the title afterwards. But that is only half the truth."

The F1 legend added that he travelled more in a year in his racing days than today's drivers do, to compete in 65 races a year. When he was at the peak of his career, he participated in rallies, IndyCar, touring championships, and many other competitions to earn enough money. He said:

“How would you describe the job of Verstappen, Hamilton and co?

"Exactly.

"All they do all year long is compete for their team. Back then I still had to drive in rally, IndyCar, touring championships and many other competitions to earn enough money.

"While drivers now drive 24 races a year, I had 65 when I was at my peak.

"This meant that we travelled a lot more back then. My record for most Atlantic crossings in one year is 61!

"Don't forget: There were no private jets back then, I flew regular flights. This is unimaginable for most drivers today."

When Stewart was asked if he would be one of today's F1 drivers as opposed to his era, he gave a positive reply listing the luxury factor drivers receive today. He said:

“Yes, of course! It's more comfortable for drivers at every level.

"Across competitions, fewer races, better travel, more pay and pure luxury at the grands prix.

"We used to sit in tents through which the wind whistled. Today a number of trucks drive up to unload the team houses.

"There's no wind whistling through them, they have real walls. The drivers have it much better today.”

He then described the relationship drivers shared with the media back then as opposed to today's F1 drivers who are micro-evaluated by the media in every way. He revealed:

“However, they are also followed by the media at every turn.

"Every action of theirs is evaluated. It was different for us.

"We also went out for a drink with the journalists in the evening, and the content of the conversation wasn't in the newspaper afterwards.”

Stewart also revealed the possibility of race leader Max Verstappen being beaten in a championship in the future. He added:

“Typically, drivers develop until their late twenties.

"But to be honest: I don't see much room for Verstappen to improve. No matter whether it's raining, windy or hot - Max gets the absolute maximum out of the car everywhere.

"But you shouldn't forget that he's not a normal 25-year-old. He has been racing in Formula 1 since he was 17 and is much more experienced than others his age.

"It's hard to imagine at the moment, but people also thought with Lewis Hamilton that no one could beat him as long as he was active.

"It would be comparatively easy for Sergio Parez to win the title.

"He is in the right team at the right time - but only drives solidly and not outstandingly like Verstappen.

"It's even a little easier for Max to win multiple world titles in a row than it was in my time.”

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