In a shocking revelation, Bernie Collins, a former Aston Martin F1 strategy engineer turned Formula 1 analyst for Sky Sports and F1 TV, exposed the doubters who once scoffed at Max Verstappen’s potential to become a world champion in Formula 1. Little did they know, they couldn’t have been more wrong.
Despite facing some setbacks this season, with only one victory in the first five races, Verstappen remains hot on the heels of championship leader Oscar Piastri, trailing by a mere 12 points. The Dutch driver has already graced the podium three times (four including the China Sprint) and has shown remarkable consistency, even salvaging a sixth-place finish on challenging weekends like in Bahrain.
Collins recalled the early skepticism surrounding Verstappen’s abilities, particularly within the Force India (now Aston Martin) team. Many doubted the young driver’s championship-winning potential due to his aggressive driving style. “There were those who believed that Verstappen was too aggressive to win championships,” revealed Collins on the Indo Sport Podcast.
Since his debut in 2015 with Toro Rosso, followed by a promotion to Red Bull in 2016 where he became the youngest race winner in F1 history at the Spanish Grand Prix, Verstappen’s journey has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Early seasons were marred by accidents and errors, leading to retirements in 2017 and penalties in early 2018. Despite being just 20 or 21 years old at the time, Verstappen was still maturing as a driver.
Today, Verstappen is hailed as nearly unbeatable on the track, a far cry from the doubts that once clouded his potential. While he may not be invincible, given equal machinery, he has proven to be a formidable contender for the championship title. The evolution of Verstappen’s career serves as a testament to his growth and determination to silence his critics.
The saga of Max Verstappen’s rise from a controversial young talent to a serious title contender showcases the resilience and skill that define a true champion in the world of Formula 1.
