Max Verstappen has been tipped to remain in Formula 1 by 13-time Grand Prix winner David Coulthard, highlighting the Dutchman’s freedom to pursue other interests with Red Bull.
Verstappen heads to the Canadian GP off the back off a gut-wrenching weekend at the Nurburgring, where drive-shaft failure prematurely ended his chance at victory in the 24 hour race.
This exploit is the latest in a foray of GT3 racing ventures by the four-time world champion as he explores ventures away from F1, his dissatisfaction with the current regulations no secret.
Coulthard praised Verstappen’s participation and efforts in the race, believing it sets him apart from the competition.
“To go there, this is old-school commitment, and that’s what sets him apart from the others,” Coulthard said on the Up To Speed podcast.
“The others are technically very good racing drivers. There’s no question about it. I would question whether any other driver on the Formula 1 grid right now would accept the challenge to go and race at the Nürburgring.”
Max Verstappen will not be going anywhere”
Coulthard has now tipped Verstappen to remain in F1, and, stay with Red Bull for one specific reason: Red Bull has never attempted to reign in his outspoken nature.
“Max will not be going anywhere,” he said.
“Because there’s no other Formula 1 team that would allow him to be Max.
“McLaren wouldn’t be able to do it, Ferrari wouldn’t be able to do it, Mercedes wouldn’t be able to do it, despite the fact he was driving a Mercedes, just because of the investment that goes into the individual driver.
“But Red Bull do, in fairness and in the spirit of Mr. Mateschitz, the founder of Red Bull.
“I remember that when I first met him, before signing to drive for the team, I asked him, ‘What do you expect of me?’ And he said, ‘Be yourself.’
“Max is being himself. That’s why we’ll cut the speculation of a couple of weeks ago, right now. Max is staying with Red Bull for the rest of his career.”
Coulthard’s suggestion that Verstappen will stay at Red Bull will be intriguing to see played out.
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