As Max Verstappen shows the strength of the Red Bull over the rest of the teams on the grid, the driver vs car debate has re-emerged, as people muse how successful the Dutchman would be away from the title-holders.
Of course, F1 drivers need a good car to be able to win races but they must also have the skill in the car to secure victories for their team.
For example, Lewis Hamilton won four back-to-back titles, securing 42 victories during that time.
In comparison, Hamilton’s teammate at the time Valtteri Bottas only secured eight race wins during those seasons.
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Seemingly in a league of his own, Verstappen won 15 races out of 22 last season, securing the Drivers’ title by the end of the Japanese Grand Prix.
During the 2022, Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez only secured two wins – At Monaco and in Singapore.
With the 2023 season underway, Verstappen is, once again, showing his ability to hold rivals at bay, with two P1 and one P2 finish in three races.
No driver on the grid has shown the same level of consistency as Verstappen, other than Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso who has appeared on the podium in three consecutive races.
With Verstappen’s skill behind the wheel clear for all to see, former Formula 1 driver, Michael Bleekemolen believes the Dutch driver could thrive with whatever car he was presented with.
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When asked whether Verstappen could be as successful in Ferrari’s current car, Bleekemolen said “Yes, I would put my money on it.
“Who is good, the car or the driver? That’s true in a lot of teams.
“Put Max in a McLaren. He might be in the middle of the field or even further forward. Who’s to say?” added the 73-year-old