Oliver Bearman Praises Max Verstappen as 'Best Driver We've Ever Seen'

Rising F1 talent Oliver Bearman has lauded Max Verstappen as potentially 'the best driver we've ever seen,' citing Verstappen's unparalleled skill and passion, particularly highlighted by his recent foray into GT3 racing at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

Why it matters:

Oliver Bearman's high praise underscores Max Verstappen's extraordinary talent, even among his peers. For a young driver like Bearman, who aspires to reach the pinnacle of motorsport, Verstappen's ability to seamlessly transition between Formula 1 and other demanding racing series, purely for the love of the sport, sets a new benchmark for dedication and skill. This perspective from inside the F1 paddock offers a unique insight into the respect Verstappen commands.

The Details:

• Unreserved Praise: Speaking in Baku, Oliver Bearman, a promising British driver, expressed his profound admiration for Max Verstappen, labeling him "the best driver we've ever seen." This sentiment extends beyond just his F1 achievements to his broader racing endeavors.
• Passion-Driven Racing: Bearman highlighted Verstappen's decision to race at the Nordschleife outside of F1 weekends as a testament to his pure passion for motorsport. Bearman hopes to reach a similar stage in his career where he can race "whatever he wants, purely for passion."
• Nürburgring Nordschleife Debut: Just two weeks after obtaining his DMSB Permit Nordschleife, Verstappen made an impressive GT3 debut at the legendary 'Green Hell' track. This permit also qualifies him to compete in the demanding 24 Hours of Nürburgring event.
• Podium Finish: In his first qualifying session, Verstappen secured third place on the grid for the GT3 race, narrowly missing pole position by a mere three seconds, despite facing traffic on his final lap.
• Dominant Race Performance: During the race, Verstappen immediately demonstrated his superior racecraft by seizing the lead at Turn 1. He maintained a commanding pace throughout his two-hour stint, building a significant lead over his competitors.
• First GT3 Victory: Partnering with teammate Chris Lulham in a Ferrari 296 GT3, Verstappen's strong performance laid the groundwork for the team's first victory, with Lulham skillfully managing the remainder of the race after Verstappen's stint.

The Big Picture:

Verstappen's ability to dominate in different racing disciplines, from the pinnacle of Formula 1 to the challenging Nordschleife, solidifies his reputation as a versatile and exceptionally gifted driver. This broad scope of his racing activities not only showcases his talent but also inspires younger generations of drivers like Bearman. His recent GT3 victory further demonstrates that his passion for racing extends far beyond the F1 championship, proving his adaptability and competitive edge in any category.

What's next:

As Max Verstappen continues to dominate the Formula 1 landscape, his extracurricular racing activities, particularly at the Nürburgring, suggest a driver constantly seeking new challenges and outlets for his passion. These endeavors provide a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a champion who thrives on competition in all its forms. Bearman, and many others, will undoubtedly be watching to see how Verstappen continues to push boundaries, both within F1 and beyond.