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Max Verstappen’s Success Traced to Michael Schumacher’s Enduring Influence, Says Johnny Herbert

Simon Monroy by Simon Monroy
January 25, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
From Paddock Playmates to Record-Breakers: The Schumacher-Verstappen Bond That Shaped F1’s Greatest –  “Michael Schumacher treated Max Verstappen like his own son”

Max Verstappen, the reigning four-time Formula 1 world champion, has often been compared to legends like Ayrton Senna, Lewis Hamilton, and Michael Schumacher. As the Dutchman continues to carve his name in motorsport history, F1 pundit Johnny Herbert has shed light on an intriguing connection that may have played a pivotal role in shaping Verstappen’s career.


The Schumacher-Verstappen Connection

Herbert believes that Verstappen’s meteoric rise in Formula 1 stems, in part, from wisdom passed down by Michael Schumacher. As a close friend of the Verstappen family, Schumacher spent time with Max and his father, Jos Verstappen, during the Dutch driver’s formative years. According to Herbert, Schumacher’s advice and racing philosophies left a lasting imprint on the young Verstappen.

“I think those types of comments that Michael Schumacher may have spoken to Max Verstappen about would stick with you,” Herbert remarked.

Not only Max, but his father Jos, a former Formula 1 driver, absorbed critical lessons from his close association with Schumacher. Herbert believes Jos modeled Schumacher’s meticulous approach to teamwork and performance improvement when mentoring Max.

“Jos Verstappen would still be making sure that he doesn’t forget them at the same time,” Herbert added. “He’s used so much of how Michael worked within a team to make the maximum step in the group that we’ve got today.”


From Reputation to Revolution

Max Verstappen’s debut in 2015 was nothing short of sensational, but his aggressive driving style sparked controversy. Herbert recalled that Verstappen quickly earned a reputation for pushing the limits—sometimes too far—on the racetrack.

“He got this horrible reputation of driving people off the circuit, being a hard racer,” Herbert said. “And he was like, well, hard racing is what it’s all about. You don’t put people in the wall; you push them onto the grass.”

Despite the criticism, Verstappen remained unfazed, confident in his approach. Over the years, he has refined his racing style, combining that raw aggression with strategic brilliance—a hallmark trait of Schumacher himself.


A Record-Breaking Trajectory

At just 27 years old, Verstappen is on course to rewrite Formula 1’s history books. However, the Dutchman has made it clear that he doesn’t plan to race for another decade, emphasizing his desire for balance and a life beyond the grid. Yet, as Herbert points out, Verstappen’s early grounding and the influence of Schumacher’s racing ethos continue to drive his dominance.

“The strength that Max has had since a very, very young age from when he first got into Formula One is remarkable,” Herbert noted.


A Legacy in the Making

Max Verstappen’s journey is far from over, but the parallels with Michael Schumacher—both in racing philosophy and results—are undeniable. If the Dutchman’s current trajectory is any indication, he could soon stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the greatest drivers in history.

With more championships in sight, Verstappen’s evolution from a fearless prodigy to a strategic powerhouse may very well cement his status as a modern-day Schumacher in the annals of Formula 1.

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