Adrian Newey Names Ayrton Senna and Max Verstappen as Top F1 Drivers

Adrian Newey, Formula 1's most successful designer, has shared his definitive list of the greatest drivers he's worked with: Ayrton Senna and Max Verstappen. His insights, shared in a recent podcast, offer a rare glimpse into the qualities that elevate these two champions above the rest, emphasizing their technical understanding and unparalleled focus.

Why it matters:

Adrian Newey's opinion carries immense weight in the Formula 1 paddock. Having designed championship-winning cars for legends like Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell, Mika Häkkinen, Sebastian Vettel, and Max Verstappen, his assessment of driver talent is based on decades of unparalleled experience. His current insights highlight the enduring qualities of true greatness in motorsport, offering a historical and contemporary perspective on what it takes to be a top-tier F1 driver.

The Details:

• Ayrton Senna's Impact: Newey's collaboration with Senna was tragically brief, ending with Senna's death at Imola in 1994. Despite the short time, Newey was profoundly impressed by Senna's inquisitive nature and technical depth.
  • Beyond Racing: Senna's interests extended beyond just driving. Newey recalls Senna inspecting the rear suspension in the wind tunnel, asking numerous probing questions about design and purpose. This curiosity and technical understanding set him apart.
• Max Verstappen's Caliber: Newey worked with Verstappen for eight years, developing immense respect for the Dutch driver's abilities.
  • Unflappable Maturity: Despite a challenging childhood, Verstappen displays incredible maturity and an unparalleled ability to absorb pressure. Newey describes him as completely self-possessed when behind the wheel.
  • Laser Focus: Once his helmet is on, Verstappen seems to block out everything except the car, the track, and his driving. This intense focus is a hallmark of his athletic prowess.

The Big Picture:

Newey's career spans multiple eras of Formula 1, working with some of the sport's most iconic figures. His consistent success in designing championship cars for different drivers underscores his ability to adapt to varying regulations and driver styles. His current admiration for Verstappen, drawing parallels to a legend like Senna, speaks volumes about Verstappen's current standing in the sport and his potential to etch his name even deeper into F1 history.

What's Next:

Newey's continued influence, even as he transitions from Red Bull, suggests that his design philosophy and insights into driver performance will remain highly sought after. While he has named his top drivers, the ongoing evolution of F1 technology and driver training will undoubtedly continue to produce new talents aiming to achieve the same level of mastery that Senna and Verstappen have demonstrated.