Former Le Mans legend Jacky Ickx has revealed his admiration for Max Verstappen, frequently reaching out to the Dutch driver to acknowledge his unparalleled achievements in Formula 1. Verstappen, who claimed his fourth consecutive world championship in 2024, has become the benchmark of dominance in the modern ground-effect era.
Verstappen’s Dominance: A Double-Edged Sword
Ickx, who is no stranger to motorsport greatness, emphasized the challenges that come with Verstappen’s relentless dominance. Reflecting on Verstappen’s awe-inspiring Brazilian GP victory, the six-time Le Mans winner remarked on how his superiority has become both a marvel and a disturbance for his competitors.
“Max is part of those people who have [so many achievements]. We exchange [messages] from time to time. Short messages. For example, the race he did in Brazil. The drama when you win too often, when you dominate a series, it becomes disturbing.”
Ickx noted that Verstappen’s incredible performances, such as racing through the field to claim victory, have captivated fans. However, his regular dominance has also led to a sense of predictability in Formula 1, which some fans and rivals find frustrating.
“You punish [drivers], people start to dislike you because you know the result of the race before the start, because you dominate things.”
Verstappen’s Emotional Growth and Fan Connection
Ickx believes Verstappen displayed a new level of emotional connection during the 2024 season, with fans resonating more with his journey. He highlighted that Verstappen’s victories, especially those achieved from challenging positions, have earned him greater respect and admiration.
“So amazingly, his love level has increased in an unbelievable way. And he says, yes, it was plenty of emotions. Because when you start last and you win, people love that.”
The contrast between dominating from pole and delivering dramatic comeback victories is clear, with the latter often seen as more relatable and engaging for fans.
The Road Ahead for Verstappen
As Verstappen prepares for the 2025 season, the pressure is on Red Bull to provide a car capable of sustaining his dominance. With McLaren and Ferrari closing the gap, the four-time champion faces one of his toughest challenges yet. Ickx’s continued praise and mentorship serve as a testament to the Dutchman’s status as one of motorsport’s all-time greats.
For Verstappen, the goal remains clear: to cement his legacy further and prove yet again why he’s the man to beat in Formula 1.
