As Max Verstappen continues to dominate the Formula 1 landscape, motorsport veteran David Coulthard has weighed in on how the Dutchman’s rivals, like Lando Norris, can hope to dethrone him. Drawing from his own battles with Michael Schumacher, Coulthard offers a glimpse into the mindset needed to challenge Verstappen’s relentless aggression and unmatched skill.
The former Red Bull and McLaren driver, who claimed 13 wins during his career, praised Verstappen’s stunning victory at the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix, where he stormed from 17th on the grid in torrential rain to claim his 62nd career win. Coulthard described the performance as a masterclass, likening Verstappen to Schumacher in his prime.
“Verstappen: The Modern-Day Schumacher”
Speaking on the Formula For Success podcast, Coulthard lauded Verstappen’s fearless driving and ability to thrive under immense pressure.
“This is why I fell in love with motorsport,” Coulthard said. “I want to see the unusual, those moments where you watch a driver and think—this is simply unbelievable. That’s exactly what we witnessed in Brazil.”
Coulthard went on to compare Verstappen’s uncompromising style to Schumacher’s legendary aggressiveness.
“He’s a modern-day Michael Schumacher,” Coulthard said. “A driver who constantly tests the limits of what’s possible on the track. That’s part of his DNA.”
“The Key to Beating Verstappen: Matching His Aggression”
For Coulthard, Verstappen’s relentless nature leaves little room for his competitors to play it safe. His advice? Fight him on his own terms.
“If you want to challenge Max, you need to fight fire with fire. His opponents know that they can’t afford to back down because Max won’t.”
This echoes the lessons Coulthard learned during his own battles with Schumacher, where backing off meant conceding an edge to the seven-time champion.
“Verstappen’s Controversial Edge”
Verstappen’s aggressive approach has sparked controversy throughout the 2024 season, with flare-ups at the Austrian GP, United States GP, and most notably, the Mexico GP. At Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Verstappen forced his rival, Lando Norris, wide at Turn 4 before an aggressive move at Turn 8 nearly ended both their races.
The incident earned Verstappen a 20-second penalty, but it did little to deter his driving style. Critics hoped the penalty would lead to a more measured Verstappen, but Coulthard was quick to dismiss that notion.
“These decisions happen in split seconds,” Coulthard explained. “And Max is not like every other driver. Every sport needs its heroes, villains, and everything in between, and Max embodies all of that.”
“Lando Norris: The Challenger in Waiting”
Norris, who sits second in the drivers’ standings, remains Verstappen’s fiercest rival this season. Coulthard’s advice for the young Brit is clear: to beat Verstappen, he’ll need to match his intensity and take calculated risks, even if it means embracing controversy.
The pair’s on-track battles, such as their collision-filled duel in Mexico, showcase the fine margins and ferocity required to challenge a driver of Verstappen’s caliber.
“The Road Ahead”
With Verstappen poised to clinch his fourth consecutive world title at the upcoming Las Vegas GP, the challenge for his rivals is steeper than ever. For Norris and the rest of the grid, Coulthard’s insight offers a roadmap: only by embracing Verstappen’s level of aggression and fearlessness can they hope to close the gap.
“Max’s driving style divides opinion, but it’s also what makes him great,” Coulthard concluded. “To beat a driver like that, you need to have the same fire.”
As Formula 1’s 2024 season winds down, the battle lines are drawn—not just for the remaining races, but for the future of a sport shaped by Verstappen’s dominance and the challengers eager to dethrone him.
