Davidson: Verstappen's Unique Skill Makes Teammates Look 'Second-Rate'
Why it matters: Former F1 driver Anthony Davidson has shed light on why Max Verstappen's teammates often appear to underperform, suggesting it's less about their skill and more about Verstappen's exceptional ability to handle a sensitive car.
The big picture: Red Bull's Formula 1 cars are known for being challenging to drive, especially at the limit. While top drivers are expected to adapt, Davidson points out that Max Verstappen possesses a rare talent that allows him to extract performance even when the car is problematic.
The details: Speaking to Formula 1 Magazine, Davidson explained, "Max can drive around the problems, not all of them, but most of them. He finds performance that others can't find and drives at the limit, but not over it." He added that other drivers often "go over or stay under the limit and the car doesn't like that."
What this means for teammates: Drivers like Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, along with past teammates such as Pierre Gasly, Alexander Albon, and Sergio Pérez, have consistently struggled to match Verstappen's pace. Davidson clarifies, "with this car being so sensitive, it seems like Liam and Yuki are second-rate drivers compared to Max, but they're not." He emphasizes that the car's inherent sensitivity distorts their perceived performance.
Looking ahead: The challenge for Red Bull's leadership, including figures like Laurent Mekies, will be to help drivers like Yuki Tsunoda unlock their full potential despite the car's characteristics and the immense benchmark set by Verstappen.