Last Updated on December 23 2023, 1:00 pm
A champion’s perspective on Verstappen’s triumph – The world of Formula 1 has always been one of constant evolution, where yesterday’s standards become today’s history.
This is exemplified by the fascinating perspective of 1979 Formula 1 World Champion Jody Scheckter on today’s racing prodigy Max Verstappen.
Scheckter’s era versus Formula 1 today
Scheckter, an F1 legend in his own right, won the 1979 championship amid fierce competition from icons such as Niki Lauda, James Hunt, Emerson Fittipaldi and Gilles Villeneuve. Reflecting on those days, he acknowledges the huge differences between his era and today’s Formula One – the cars, the tracks, the regulations, especially in terms of safety, are incomparable.
But despite these changes, Scheckter believes that Verstappen would have been a formidable competitor in his day, surpassing even the greatest drivers of the 1970s.
“He is better than anyone who ran in my era,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
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The evolution of Max Verstappen
Scheckter’s journey from sceptic to admirer of Verstappen provides a unique lens through which to view the young champion’s rise in the sport.
Scheckter was initially critical of Verstappen’s aggressive style when the Dutchman first burst onto the F1 scene. He saw a lack of respect for other drivers in Verstappen’s approach to racing. However, witnessing Verstappen’s growth and maturity over the years, particularly in his dominant 2023 season, has led Scheckter to revise his opinion. He now sees Verstappen as a driver who has learned the crucial balance between aggression and strategy, a balance that is essential to winning races and championships.
Comparing racing eras: A complex undertaking
Comparing drivers from different generations in Formula 1 is a challenging endeavour. Technological advances, safety improvements and regulatory changes make direct comparisons almost impossible.
Scheckter’s era was characterised by high risks and frequent car breakdowns, in stark contrast to the modern era’s emphasis on safety and reliability. This generational divide highlights the different challenges and skills required to excel in each era.
“The difference that is sometimes pointed out is that people say that in those days they were ‘real men’ who risked their lives. The cars often broke down – not the Ferrari but the Tyrrell did, for example. I realised later that I was lucky. My greatest success was to stay alive and I never even ended up in a helicopter to the hospital.
“I started out a bit reckless, like everyone, when you’re young you try to show talent and courage. Max did it too and I didn’t like the way he raced at the start of his career, because he showed no respect to the other drivers.”
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Verstappen’s maturity: A key to success
Scheckter highlights Verstappen’s journey from a reckless young talent to a mature, strategic driver. This evolution, he notes, is common among young drivers who begin their careers prioritising talent and courage, but must learn the value of tactical racing and risk management.
Verstappen’s ability to adapt and mature, Scheckter believes, is central to his success in the highly competitive world of Formula One.
“Then the penny dropped with him too, “ says the South African ex F1 champ, relating to the Dutchman,
“…that you don’t win races and especially championships if you cause incidents and contact with other cars.”
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Ferrari’s current struggles: Scheckter’s analysis
Turning his attention to Ferrari, a team he once led to victory, Scheckter offers insight into their current challenges. He identifies tyre management as a critical issue for the team, a problem that has eluded them for 15 seasons since their last championship win.
“I’m not in Maranello, so I can’t know the details well,” says Scheckter,
“But it seems that the main trouble has a lot to do with managing the tyres well. And it’s something horrible for a driver, from my experience. In the race, you have to ‘manage’ more than push, which Max does very well – he always stays just below the level where they stress and ruin.”
In contrast, he admires Verstappen’s ability to manage this aspect of racing, consistently pushing the limits without overloading the tyres.
The future of F1: Leclerc and Sainz
Scheckter also shares his thoughts on current Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. He sees potential in Leclerc, who he believes can challenge Verstappen if he can eliminate costly mistakes.
“I really like Charles Leclerc, even though he made some mistakes he shouldn’t have made. He is one of the few who can challenge Max Verstappen, but he absolutely has to eliminate the mistakes,” confirms Scheckter,
Sainz, meanwhile, has exceeded Scheckter’s expectations by proving himself capable of competing at the highest level.
“And Carlos Sainz has proven to be better than I thought – he’s up to the task.”
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Legacy of Max Verstappen
Jody Scheckter’s journey from doubt to admiration for Max Verstappen mirrors the evolving narrative of Formula One itself – a sport that continually reshapes its heroes and legends.
Certainly, Scheckter’s insights bridge F1’s past and present, revealing the timeless qualities that define champions across generations.
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In the annals of Formula One, few seasons have been as dominated by a single driver as the 2023 season of Max Verstappen. The Dutchman’s relentless pursuit of excellence led him to a third consecutive world championship, setting new standards and cementing his place among the sport’s greats, making the Red Bull driver seems almost invulnerable. But recent developments have shown this not to be the case.
Verstappen’s season began with an air of inevitability. From the opening race in Bahrain, it was clear that he and his Red Bull Racing team had struck a near-perfect balance between car performance and strategy. His RB19 car, a marvel of engineering, was a…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
