69 responses to “Voice of #F1 Fans: What is ‘arrogance’ in Formula One? – Part 2”

1. Love it dude, very thorough! Also love the balls to post this here with our readership – kudos!

   I think once Max learns to overcome his hormones he will be a great driver, just hope that doesn’t neuter his aggressive style. Whatever happens he is very entertaining!

   Here’s my version that I didn’t have the balls to post here:
   http://www.catmanf1.com/#!Mad-Max/c1tye/56f01a340cf2d94fab188bdd

   I stand side by side with you awaiting the onslaught – part2!

   • Haha! Thanks, Catman. Nice article too.

     Brothers-in-arms. 🙂

     “And we would allllllll go dowwwwwn togethahhhhhh…” Billy Joel, Goodnight Saigon.

     @WTF_F1

     • Your italics sound like the rallying call of brow-beaten husbands, who pay the bedroom price for Sunday afternoon peace.

       Ironically a price I thought was a disgusting bedroom excursion, during my naive teenage years … though other folk’s tastes varied as I recall.

       Until I got married I never would have understood the lengths folks will go to, for a slightly-less troubled existence!

       • LMAO! Comment of the article. 🙂

         I suppose one’s palate matures with age.

         @WTF_F1

   • Why am I not surprised you like stories which tell only half the story…?

     Oh wait, I read the same thing of you too…you might want look up what the definition of thoroughly actually is, because you sure don’t know what that is.

     I can’t wait for your part 2 in which you explain more “thoroughly” how the mechanical problems last year effected both drivers and it wouldn’t have made a difference in the points tally, but it actually would have effected the qualifying score between them.

     • At no point did I say that Verstappen is not better than Sainz, but he is not leagues ahead to suggest that Carlos should just see him behind, whip off his coat and place it on the floor for the enlightened one to come past…

       I also mentioned I am a fan of Max, just not of his hormones or youthful inexperience.

       He does make very good points about the junior formulae, particularly with his experience.

       • How can you say he is not leagues ahead of sainz? Sainz has alot more experience than Verstappen, but has half the skillset the young Dutchman has. Verstappen wiped the floor with the more experienced Sainz, who allready had 5 seasons of Formula experience under his belt. Sainz is a good driver, but Verstappen, 17 years young, only his 2nd season of car racing experience has much better racecraft, has more talent and has a steeper learningcurve then Sainz. Also, what is pretty obvious, to see for the whole wide world, is the manner of racing. Verstappen is smooth, agressive and has a enormous talent to overtake people who are far more experienced then him. It took Sainz 8 laps to overtake Palmer, while Verstappen overtook him in 2 corners. Also the laptimes were in favour of Verstappen…being the faster driver over the weekend.

         I think all the F1 fans, the real fans I mean, should be excited to have such a talent as Verstappen. He is the single reason why F1 is exciting again. He gave us so much to talk about, not in the least of his latest outburst that came because STR made a huge error to let Sainz pit first. Ffcourse Max should have been patient and more calm, but it was in the heat of the moment with alot of adrenaline in your body when he told the team they screwed up. I know some drivers, more experienced, who did excactly the same last year….remember GP2 GP2…ARGGGHH…or Vettel who lost his temper a few seasons back when he told the team he would go home during a race?

         Let Max be Max….let him learn….and in the meantime…enjoy his prescense.

         • Verstappen’s pass on Palmer was excellent, but greatly facilitated from Palmer being offline and a poor exit to the chicane from Sainz’s move. Even Max would not have been able to pass in just 2 corners without that assistance. Boots the other way round and Carlos would likely have been able to do the same – it’s a classic racing technique.

           Max is without doubt an outstanding driver, likely better than Carlos (but not that much, otherwise RB would have dropped him already) and I totally agree he has certainly made F1 more exciting again – but nobody is infallible and must be judged by his comments, which were not just heat of the moment as they continued days after in interviews.

           Comments (good, bad, funny, exciting or any other type of opinion) are why we’re here – I enjoy the fact people have different opinions, everyone’s are valid 😀

         • “It took Sainz 8 laps to overtake Palmer, while Verstappen overtook him in 2 corners”
           Well, as catman said, Palmer was “boxed” miles out of the racing line by the Toro Rosso’s (Great teamwork IF it was intended…) but even so, Verstappen passing Palmer after Sainz worn him out for many a lap does not make him a better driver.
           The same thing happened in Monza 2011 when Hamilton was trying tenaciously to pass Shcumacher untill ma’ man Jenson who was hangin’ back passed easily. Does that make Button a better racer than 44? I think not. I Do like Max , though.

2. This article and the preceding one are completely pointless from a sports fan pov. They are the province of wives or girlfriends of sports fans who just dont have a clue and are approaching it with an academic or pointlessly superficial approach. Like pointing out who the good looking or well dressed footballers are.
   Most sports fans would give a flying leap about the arrogance of boxer Mayflower or driver Max in the face of evidence of sporting prowess.
   It is ok to write articles about whats actually happening in F1 instead of resorting to making things up or creating contrarian and negative connotations about the few things that are actually good about the sport.
   What kind of sports fan looks at Max and sees only the negative aspects or actually thinks up reasons that F1 would be better without him. Those same observerz got a bloody nose by constantly criticizing current WDC Hamilton and are now upset by Max. Winners have this effect on certain mindsets

   • The author’s not saying F1 would be better off without Verstappen, but rather Verstappen’s attitude and mental approach would have been better refined through fighting within the ranks of Formula 3.5 and GP2. The fact that he is seen as someone capable of breaking multiple “youngest ever” records could potentially retard his application in how he develops himself. Every top driver in the history of F1 has suffered a difficult period after they make their first impression: Alonso (2004), Raikkonen (2002), Button (2001), Hamilton (2011) & Vettel (2014). How Max fights back from his inevitable initial downturn in form is what will determine his destiny. If he accuses his team of “not doing enough” instead facing up to his mistakes, his reputation with team bosses will falter and his career could stutter. Media hype may well be hindering his judgement, something he needs to emotionally detach himself from immediately.

   • Brilliant, lol. +1

     You probably don’t realise the implications of the opening salvo of your comment.

     For what it’s worth, one of the best and most insightful writers around here, Jennie, is of the XX chromosomal persuasion.

     “Wives and girlfriends…” – Nothalf

     Revealed, your opinions are… hmmm.

     *Pokes Nothalf with gimer stick*

     @WTF_F1

3. Wow…..so much ignorance….please stop writing articles

   • …well, it is certainly blissful. 😀

     Hugsies.

     @WTF_F1

4. Man I can’t believe you hate HisHolyMaxness so much. You fucking flying fuck! I’ll send a package of hate your way. Goddamn son of a bitch! When was the last time you turned water in to wine? Racist.

   • It’s true, you’ve caught me; this piece is racially motivated. And so too will next week’s articles be. I suppose I’m not getting the Democratic nomination now! D’oh!

     All my hope n’ dreams… melting… MELTING!

     This is fun. 😀

5. All those years in Karting and the one in F3, he was up against much older drivers with multiple years of experience in single seater series. In the beginning of F3 he was settling in. In the second half he was equal to slightly better.

   I’ve only seen him make 2 mistakes last year in F1. wich is remarkable in my view…
   His ability to overtake without locking up the brakes, doing constant laptimes and managing his tyres are key ability’s F1 insiders keep on mentioning as superb for a youngster.
   Out of the cockpit he is a very polity en modest young man (unlike others) In the cockpit he is brutal and knows no fear. That is a trademark All F1 Drivers must have to become First driver or Champion.

   Never ever has he bragged about himself being the best. It was all the Reporters and Teammanagers that kept bringing that up. But hey. What do they know, wright?
   Last race he totally lost his cool being stuck behind Sainz. I think he should have backed down a bit to give Carlos a chance to position himself to overtake Palmer without also driving a defensive line against Max.
   Keeping on moaning over the radio is something He should do no more. I hated that bit.

   It was a thourough article you wrote. But when you do, make sure you mention all the information…

   • Only two? ive seen him make the same amount in just one race…..

   • “But when you do, make sure you mention all the information…”

     …when you have an anti-Verstappen bias, you can only put the information in an article which supports the narrative you’re trying to spread, any other information would just weaken it.

     • When you are pro verstappen biased you can only put the information in an comment which supports the narrative you’re trying to spread, any other information would just weaken it.

       • That’s a rather weak response when the criticism is simply about giving all the information instead of just being selective about it. There’s wasn’t anywhere a call to only give the information which supports Verstappen…

         …ah well, reading through the comments I see a few others have taken on the task to do what the writer should have done in the first place, and that is, to paint a much more accurate picture…

         …a call for a less tabloid level of reporting gets a tabloid level response, who would have guessed ?

6. Loved the article, some very well thought out observations. For my two pence worth, Max has the added pressure of the pushy parent syndrome. With the ‘Boss’ being such a skilled driver of past F1😂 I have no doubt he is passing on his self worth onto his minion

   • Glad you referenced “pushy parent”, which is something I picked up on and mentioned many times last season.

     Someone mentioned in PT1, that it would probably be best for Max if he did what Lewis dos, sack his father as his manager.

     • what would it do to Jos the Boss’s psyche if Mick Schumacher turns up and wipes the floor with Max the way Michael used to do to him…?

       • Ouch!!!!… you’re cold hearted S.O. B with that comment…😂😂😂…. It would probably put an end to the house of Verstappen…

         • …or be repeated throughout the ages, like the F1 version of Blackadder..

       • You mean with his traction controlled Benetton?
         🙂

         • And a faulty fuel valve….either way Michael wiped the floor with the skilled Boss,maybe he should have the title of Michael’s Bi#*+h😇

       • With a car that had illegal software.., everybody knows that.

       • I would guess that the family dog would be running for cover followed closely by Mrs Boss

     • It would probably help as he does tend to wade into the team talks (from what I have heard) for all of Lewis and Nico’s faults they both have emerged from the shadows of their parents and are doing pretty well

   • hahahahaha omg

7. @WTF_F!

   Perhaps another viewpoint towards his karting and F3 year is helpfull aswell.

   In karting you mention max was “lapping provincial tracks”. You might conclude from that that he (or more likely his father) was steering clear from the heavier competition. The thing is, Max raced at the highest level of karting that he was allowed to compete in (yes, the could have moved to Italy or anywhere where the sub junior categories are rated higher but that’s a bit beyond reasonable). As soon as he was entitled (by age) to compete at a higher level (2010, KF3 if I’m not mistaken) he did so.You mention that he competed that year with varying results but largely running at the front regularly and winning various national series. Fact is that he entered 6 cups/series that year (one national, the rest international). He finished 4 of these series (including WSK euro series and WSK world series) as winner and the other two as runner up. One might say that his 2011 tour was a bit meager (3 series with one championship) but he corrected that in the following two years with 8 more championships and two runner positions (one due to a questionable disqualification if I recall correctly).

   As for the winterseries in Florida, he was indeed only third, winning just 2 out of the 12 rounds but the majority (8 races) were won by 2 drivers with both a year of car racing experience. Read up on what BIll Buxton has to say about him in the FWS.

   F3 followed after multiple WSR2.0 test (with multiple track records set by Max during those tests). He (again, most likely his father) opted for F3 and decided to opt for Van Amersfoort racing. Why? Because his dad drove for the team and knows the owner well but also because it gave Max the opportunity to start easy with a midfield team. Emphasis on midfield. The first third of the season he was hampered with technical DNF’s (and a few rookie mistakes). The remainder of the season he was by far the most successful participant (reminder: midfield team). Apart from his wins he was most noted for his overtaking maneuvers and (thus) his car control. You might not have seen a single race from the series but you mentioned Ocon as the champion. Ocon was a better qualifier but Max outshone him during the races (look for “round the outside Max Verstappen” on youtube and you get the picture).

   He entered F1. And he entered it in the way he thought was the best suited for his career. He did not opt for the route that Ocon choose. Mercedes indeed entered Ocon in their junior program but only after they failed to get Max. Max had no intention to enter F1 as a tester or a third driver. Is that wrong? I don’t think so. Some of the greats have come in as a test driver but most directly into a racing seat. Why? Because, exactly as with Max, that way you get them to drive for you and not the competition (next year).

   Is he arrogant? Yes. It might be youth it might be character it might be demeanor, I don’t know. Up until last weekend I heard few of the “insiders” having any issues with it.

   Is it entitlement as you claim? I recon not. Even though the choice of words was incorrect and he should have left it with one request, he was the better option for STR to obtain more points from the situation they were in. Mind you that he was 1.5s per lap quicker after he and Carlos touched. So he was indeed the quicker car and last has taught us at least that Max is an able overtaker and he might have gotten further ahead that Carlos.

   As for the unplanned pitstop….that had teenager written all over it :-).

   • 1.5 Sec in clear air. Don’t forget to mention that. And as for the overtakes how I heard it he was cleared by the team to overtake sainz.

   • And please don’t forget that max shot himself in the foot by not obeying the order to let sainz tru in Singapore last year. You all yelled that a true champion won’t obey such an order. Well Sunday sainz didn’t. So he must be a true champion too then. Good for us. Might be up for a prost senna- esque battle. Which lasts even longer cuz they both are younger.

     • I don’t doubt the talents of Carlos at all. Brilliant driver. As for the disobeying of team orders. I totally agree. No driver should be heralded for disobeying team orders. Not in Singapore last year, not in Melbourne this year.

       • But you do agree that Melbourne this year is a direct consequence from what happened last year in Singapore? Sainz did let max past prior to Singapore when asked by the team. And I think he thought foul me once, shame on me. Fool me twice… and for everyone who wants to know it, since last year I always said torro Rosso had the most exciting driver pairing. And if this is the beginning of a lot of drama or feuds it will only be better (from the fan stand point)

         • I totally agree with you. The thing with team orders is that we would rather not have them but if we must have them, every pilot is to follow them. Multi 2-1 Seb, Multi 2-1

     • Bruznic….Singapore was totally different. Verstappen was the faster man in Singapore and was faster again in Mellbourne.

   • Yep van amersfoort racing whas a midfield team. The best day dit the year before whas one 3 place and two 6 places. Even the vw engine only made 2 wins in the year before. Where ocon drove with the championship team from the year before winning 16 from 30 races.

   • Thanks for the research suggestions, Mick, and the comment too. I will look into it.

     @WTF_F1

     • You’re welcome!

     • Mick is on point. As fellow drivers (although only sim-racing for me) we know that speed of improvement marks out potential and is what really distinguishes top talent.. Max is the best rookie since Hamilton, but at 5 years younger.. at this rate, Max could be a top driver by 20/21; Hamilton, Vettel, Alonso and Kimi were all top drivers by 23-25. He’s way ahead of the curve, and that’s what Marko sees in him.

8. And than the F1 fans starting to be freud specialists at once. Heil all the people who think that the have the wisdom to make this kind of remarks. A lot of words, that’s all I see in this comment.

9. I think its too early for Ma to be in F1,in the same way 16yr girl even though biological capable of sex but shouldn’t until they are more mature and emotionally prepared to do so.
   There is a certain level rich entitlled Assholeness thats coming from Max that cant be put down solo to youth.It seems like a personality trait that has be cultivated and nourish by his Dad and validated by the media.

   The media hype around Max is the result for for the great White HOPE.Lewis crushed Nico in 2014 to become double world champion and in do so destroyed all the the media meme and stero type of him being less intelligent,mentally weak,tire destroyer ect ect.

   The European F1 media treats Lewis with a certain usurper disdain,The British press who are suppose to balance out that disdain treats him with mockery and contempt.They only remember his a champion to use it a weapon,to chastise and chide him.
   The dominance of Lewis in F1 has created a void in the media,there is no white hero to rally to against Lewis,so when Redbull did there marketing campaign with MAX its very easy to how the media went into over drive hyping him….

   Things have gotten so warp because Lewis is dominating F1,that a 18yr who has done jack shit,is allowed to swear on the airwaves to his team and no is saying anything……Lewis comments on how decision are made in F1 and is quickly rebuked by Withing to putt him in his place.He commented on the Halo and Surtese is dug out to rebuke him.

   To understand the rational and unearned hype around Max,is to understand the rise of Doland trump in American politics as a result Obama becoming president.

   • I think its to early for you to post here……please, if you dont have anyting usefull to say, then please dont say anything

     • Maybe you should take your own advice, because your comment was not useful to the conversation whatsoever.

   • Part of the problem for Lewis is that the British media are still fundamentally elitist as they proved when Mansel raced in F1. They conjure up pieces that attack anyone who they believe comes from the wrong side of the tracks. Something I personally find abhorrent.

     As to his comments regarding the Halo, isn’t it somewhat ironic that if the device had been around in F1 back in 1994 – his hero would probably be alive now…

     • Glad to see you back commenting Carlo, hope it’s not a one stop affair…..😉

       • No fortis, here to kick ass once again.

     • Carlo is back! I’ve missed you man!

       • Yay!

   • What planet are you from?
     I haven’t had such a good laugh in a long time.
     Not sure if you meant your post as a serious one or meant it for us to have a good giggle. It certainly managed more than that with me.
     Sex and race in the same post is always hard to do but you did it.
     Sex with a 16 tear old girl? Lets not go there, Too risque.
     As to your comments about Max being the great white hope?? Again, what planet are you from?
     Where did that come from? Are you the type that only started watching F1 since Lewis Joined the circus, F1 circus that is.
     Well, your post is racist and offensive. Either way you look at it. Have you ever thought that this type of thinking might also be offensive to Lewis Hamilton himself? After all he is also white, 50% that is. He is mixed race not matter how hard you think he is black, even if Lewis himself has said he is the first black F1 WC. He never will be that simply because he isn’t, and if he continues to mention in public that he is, well, than he is racist too because he is negating his Caucasian British roots.
     ” The European F1 media treats Lewis with a certain usurper disdain”, as opposed to what? The Asian, African, South American, Middle Eastern? I have traveled the world, seen races in other continents and do not have that opinion. I think the European media is the most knowledgeable and actually fair, in general terms of course, there are always biased opinions everywhere.
     ” The dominance of Lewis in F1 has created a void in the media,there is no white hero to rally to against “. Again disagree,
     There is 50% of withe hero in Lewis if you look close enough, or are you just interested or is it just convenient for you to see the other 50%? It seems that way.
     Mixing the rise of Max Verstappen and the rise of Donald Trump is just too much. Too much bigotry, fanatical, maniacal, racist agenda you have. Your post shows an ignorant, unschooled, unpolished person that knows very little about F1 and that only started following F1 because 50% of Lewis Hamilton appeals to you.( you thought you had 100% of him? Sorry to disappoint you).

     • you seem to be offended but some how dont seem have the intellect to challenge my assertion or properly articulate your objection.

       • Again, you live in the world of pretense, a world you like to believe it exists but it doesn’t.
         As for your presumption of a superior intellect LOL.
         “Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity”

10. I love the articles. Provoked quite an amount of comments too.
    Your take on karting was interesting too. To Trulli and Pantano I’d also add Vittantonio Liuzzi.
    I digress.
    Ayrton Senna never won a karting world title, yet won FF1600, FF2000 and F3 titles at the first time of asking.
    If you’ve seen the Senna film you will have heard him asked who was the greatest Driver he ever raced against. He named Terry Fullerton… a man who never raced any Formula cars. Go figure.

    I look forward to your next foray into the murky waters of the written word. Great start ☺

    • Yes, thanks for mentioning Liuzzi!

11. Real name of author; Felipe Massa 😉

    • You’ve caught me, Vinnie!

      For sure, I think, yes, eh for sure ith [is] to be really – how you say – eh fatht [fast] writing for this for sure blog. For sure, I have much improve to make, for sure, but I make’a more thpeed (speed) in my write. I love my people in Brathil [Brazil] and for sure I be better every year. For sure, yes, I can be shampiun [Champion] in Formela Un [Formula One].

      Now that… that is offensive. Not calling Max Emilian Verstappen a whinger. Yes, you read that correctly. Emilian is his second name.

      Take a moment. Max… Emilian. Maximillian?! LOL. Really? I mean, REALLY?!

      Don’t wake up the monster. Until now, it’s been relatively tame.

      😀

      @WTF_F1

      • Love it. TJ13 will never be boring while you are here.

12. Truth is, Li’l Verstappen’s puling smacks of entitlement… period.

    Entitlement in a young person most often springs from their parents’ world view. In the case of Max, via Jos, this is baldly apparent. From saying to hell with Mercedes and having Max, before he’s proven himself at lower racing levels, sign with a race team with no interest in Formula One, save for advertising their energy drink, to cosigning his immature behavior, we can clearly see the root of his son’s utter disdain for the very people who, at present, have gifted him with a seat earned through time well-spent by other drivers from those lesser levels.

    If Li’l Verstappen’s behavior was made public in any other public venue where there weren’t fanatics cheering his every move, he would be duly and roundly chastised for his – to be kind – petulance. Non-fanatics would urge him to take a step back and consider separating himself from his father lest he ruin his relationships with his peers before he had a chance to solidify his place in his chosen career.

    Instead, fanatics are cheering behavior that, in any other circumstance, would be termed malignant.

    The only question is, what is compelling people to urge on behavior they would never want to see from their own children?

13. what a great change of attitude as to what goes and not in his Honours house, looks like at long last the guiding light has been discovered, this is what a forum should be like, give and take as much as you can without any fair or favours from the referee or his helpers, bring on petruska, his comments are sure missed.
    if this new found way will be sustained this site will only flourish like never seen before.

14. Questionable journalism, reads like writer frustrated with his own racing career trying to predict a downfall of a fellow racer.

    But few observations on-topic,
    – Max never hyped himself, the media/ readers did. Just as the media and readers are burning him down after one mistake he made by sharing his frustrations with the world and not within closed doors. Max will learn from these mistakes and will make him better.
    – Max has a confidence in himself that is needed to succeed at any level of competitive sports. There is often a fine line between confidence and arrogance but I find Max is walking on the right side of it.
    – Nobody gets an offer to join an F1 team if there is not a very strong belief in the team that he/she is ready for this. Max didnt choose to drive in F1, others believe he is ready
    – Yes, he could have chosen to hone his skills further in F3, GP3, GP2, but he was offered a seat in F1 and ending up almost in the top 10 in your first year you cant argue he made a wrong choice.
    – How can you dominate a F3 series if its your first year in car racing and you’re driving with a mid-level competitive team like VAR?

    In general think we should cherish talents like Max (and Carlos and other young drivers currently in F1) I think we have a strong generation of drivers coming towards F1 eventually (Van Doorne, Ocon, Rosenqvist, LeClerc, Stroll). I just hope F1 is still around when they are in their primes…

15. Great read… enjoyed both part 1&2, I love to watch him race and will be intrigued as to how his career pans out. I think petulant best describes his attitude at this point, but he is only 18 so hopefully gets over himself sooner rather than later.

16. I must be stupid.
    If The Oxford Dictionary defines ‘arrogance’ as: “having or revealing an exaggerated sense of one’s own importance or abilities.”
    Who needs more explanation than that?

    • My trusty WordNet says:

      WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) (wn)
      arrogance
      n 1: overbearing pride evidenced by a superior manner toward
      inferiors [syn: arrogance, haughtiness, hauteur,
      high-handedness, lordliness]

      These definitions don’t seem to see eye to eye, and I guess when a word has as its closest synonyms the likes of “hauteur” and “lordliness”, some discussion may be in order…

17. Max is confident in his abilities but Self-confidence verging on arrogance can only really be justified by drivers (and any sportsperson) who has actually achieved something. Hamilton, Vettel, Alonso – these guys are accomplished race winners and multiple champions. They can brag because they’ve earned that right. They can expect more from their teams because they’ve done the work.

    I think Verstappen has bags of potential, but whoever is advising him needs to keep him grounded.

18. Don’t understand the reason behind this article.

    I would like to put some things in perspective. After completely dominating Karting a step towards cars was on. Verstappen tested a Formula Renault on a completely drenched Welsh circuit. He was also offered a test in an F3 car. Offered, not bought!
    Things went surprisingly well and a choice had to be made between the obvious: a year in Formula Renault or the far from obvious. They opted for the less obvious F3 route, be it at for at least two years in a mediocre F3 team. Not much arrogance in this decision, is there?
    After just half a year – in stead of 2 full years – team Verstappen had 2 big offers to choose from (and no, you can’t force the likes of RedBull or Mercedes into offering you a contract). Personally at the time I thought the Mercedes option would be best. Let him gain experience, have one or two years in GP2.
    History shows that choosing RedBull was the best one. But was choosing the RedBull option an arrogant one when a big name in F1, with a huge experience in bringing talent, believe in you?
    And, how good was the Mercedes offer? Mercedes is a big name in racing. But are they the best route towards F1? Between F3 and F1 there is nothing in Mercedes’ motorsport program. Mercedes don’t have a GP2 satellite team. Yes there’s DTM, but that’s a side track, and for many a F3 talent a dead end.
    You state that Ocon might have made the better, more modest choice by signing for Mercedes. But at the end of Ocon’s title winning F3 season, he was left empty handed ! Mercedes did not pick him up, because they could not offer him a decent single seater option. Renault did not pick him up, being occupied by their F1 PU problems and the board having to decide between doing it right, or quitting all together. Fortunately, Merc and Renault did pick this talented young man up…

    In his first year in F1 Verstappen only made 2 mistakes; the Silverstone off and the crash in the streets of Monaco for which Verstappen got penalised (as opposed to Alonso who had completely similar crash in Melbourne …).
    Verstappen had a very convincing first year in F1 and after the last race of 2015 he spend the rest of the year giving interviews, collecting praise and several awards.
    The years started fantastically qualifying ‘best of the rest’. Did a splendid job until the red flag, after which a number of Toro Rosso fuck-ups made Verstappen lose the race and his temper.

    Just one temper related incident and suddenly everyone seems to have forgotten the complete previous season. Questioning Verstappens abilities, his future prospects, predicting his eminent demise…

    Fortunately Bahrein is almost ‘on’. Toro Rosso will not make any mistakes this time and Verstappen will be at his usual best. Normal service will resume in a couple of days and Verstappen will make the next step – a planned small step that will probably end up being a much larger one – towards the great future everyone expected only a fortnight ago…

    • Thanks for the perspective. Couldn’t agree more.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.