Max Verstappen is widely considered the most dominant force in Formula 1 today, showcasing exceptional talent that has set him apart as a three-time world champion. However, French motorsport driver Sacha Fenestraz has stirred controversy by suggesting that his former Formula E teammate, Oliver Rowland, could outperform Verstappen if given the opportunity in F1.
Rowland, a seasoned British driver competing in Formula E for Nissan, boasts an impressive career trajectory. Starting in karting and rising through single-seater championships, Rowland clinched the Formula Renault 3.5 Series title in 2015 and later shone in GP2 and Formula E, where he secured the Rookie of the Year award. With multiple podiums under his belt, the 32-year-old has proven his racing prowess.
Fenestraz’s bold statement that Rowland’s abilities are on par with Verstappen’s is turning heads. He revealed that Verstappen himself has expressed regret that Rowland isn’t racing in F1, claiming the British driver could overshadow him in the sport’s elite category. “He’s very good friends with Verstappen, and this year, Verstappen was telling Oliver that it’s a pity he’s not in Formula 1 because he’d be overshadowing him,” Fenestraz disclosed.
Meanwhile, rumors swirl around Verstappen’s future in F1. Speculation suggests the Dutch driver might switch from Red Bull to Mercedes in 2026, thanks to an exit clause in his contract allowing him to leave if the team fails to deliver a race-winning car. Despite the allure of a new challenge, Verstappen has emphasized his preference for stability over frequent team changes—a philosophy contrasting with some of F1’s top drivers who have switched teams multiple times.
“I have been part of this team for a long time. Ultimately, every driver in the paddock wants to win. It is very easy to change teams, but I don’t want my career to be marked in this way. I don’t want to be part of four or five different teams,” Verstappen said, underlining his commitment to Red Bull, where he has built a strong rapport since joining in 2016.
With only six races left in the 2024 Formula 1 season, Verstappen holds a 52-point lead over Lando Norris in the championship race. Mercedes has already locked in its driver lineup for 2025, making it increasingly likely that Verstappen will stay with Red Bull next year as he eyes yet another world title.
