Max Verstappen , the three-time F1 world champion, is undoubtedly one of the best drivers in the modern era. Under the current set of regulations, he has proved almost unbeatable, and seeing his success, ex-world champion, Mika Hakkinen , has taken the time to talk about what Verstappen needs to equal Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher‘s seven world titles record.
Max Verstappen has won three world titles consecutively since 2021 and interestingly, he beat none other than Lewis Hamilton to win his maiden world championship. Mika Hakkinen believes the Dutchman has everything going for him, but has emphasized, certain factors that he needs to match Hamilton and Schumacher’s might.
While shedding light on the same with BILD, Hakkinen said, as reported by Motorsportweek:
He still needs the right team boss, the right car, pit crew, and management – everything has to be right. hat was the case with Lewis and Michael. That’s why they were able to shape an era.
The German with his comments, has made it known that Verstappen can’t operate at his current level without outside help. According to him, the Red Bull driver still needs the best car and the right personnel around him.
Max Verstappen breezed past all his rivals in 2023
While Mika Hakkinen has highlighted the importance of certain factors for Max Verstappen, the latter on a personal note, has been nothing short of brilliant. To put things into perspective, one can look at the way he performed during the 2023 F1 season.
Last year, Verstappen was able to win 19 grand prix, scoring 30 podiums, and was also able to amass a mighty total of 575 points. Moreover, he wrapped up the world title quite early as he was crowned the 2023 world champion at the Qatar Grand Prix weekend.
Consistency is a huge hallmark of Max Verstappen and this is one trait, that puts him in a league of his own in comparison to the other nineteen drivers. There were very few occasions in 2023 where the other F1 drivers were able to pose a threat to Verstappen.
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