Formula 1: The one weakness Max Verstappen’s rivals can actually exploit

Formula 1: The one weakness Max Verstappen's rivals can actually exploit

If Max Verstappen were to retire today, it would be strongly justified to consider him among the most distinguished drivers in Formula 1 history, ranking high on the “Mount Rushmore” of this esteemed sport.

From a statistical perspective, boasting four world championships, 63 Grand Prix victories, and numerous records, or considering his raw talent, his mastery of race craft, adherence to regulations, and relentless “win at all costs” spirit, it’s clear that the Dutchman is already a serious contender for discussion.

In the 2024 racing season, despite Verstappen not having the top-tier car from the sixth race onwards, he remarkably won the world championship with two races remaining, leading one to ponder if he has any flaws at all. The only potential obstacle seems to be a series of mechanical malfunctions.

For as brilliant and nearly flawless as his 2024 campaign was, one very big weakness of Verstappen’s came to light.

Verstappen, admired for his extraordinary driving skills, is equally recognized for his passionate character. Since he debuted in Formula 1 at just 17 years old in 2015, Verstappen has been at the heart of many debates, verbal spats, and confrontations.

This list encompasses instances such as serving a community service penalty for pushing Esteban Ocon in the parc fermé in Brazil 2018, criticizing Lewis Hamilton’s post-race celebrations at Silverstone in 2021 following their collision on the first lap, going against team orders to let Sergio Perez pass in Brazil 2022 as a retaliation for his actions during Monaco qualifying that year, avoiding answering questions at a press conference in Singapore last season due to a fine for swearing, and also making accusations that George Russell is insincere and disingenuous after the Qatar Grand Prix.

In various races, particularly those during the recent season, the four-time world champion frequently shines at his brightest. A remarkable comeback from position seventeen to first place in Sao Paulo stands out as one of the most spectacular performances in racing history. This incredible drive potentially prevented a serious challenge to his world championship title. The inspiration for this stellar performance can be traced back to his disappointment over a controversial late red flag in qualifying that denied him a spot in Q3.

However, this personality trait of Verstappen’s has also brought out his worst on several occasions.

At the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix, Verstappen stayed angry over the radio throughout the entire race. Initially, he was annoyed because he had to relinquish P2 to Lando Norris after passing him off-track at the start. Later, he grew angry due to his car’s poor handling and lack of grip. Finally, he became enraged when the team let Hamilton and Charles Leclerc undercut him during the race.

The entire situation led to an awkward swan-dive attempt by him towards Hamilton at the first turn, aiming for position 3. This resulted in a collision with Verstappen, causing him to leap into the air following the impact, only to descend later and drop to fifth place.

In the latter part of the racing season in Mexico, Verstappen aggressively pushed Norris off the track at turn four. When Norris swerved and remained ahead, an angry Verstappen performed a daring maneuver known as a divebomb at turn seven, causing both drivers to veer off the track by several yards. These two incidents resulted in a 20-second penalty for Verstappen, effectively spoiling his entire weekend.

Is there a more casual way to phrase this?: What’s similar between these occurrences? Max Verstappen made a costly mistake due to his strong feelings overtaking him.

In the upcoming season, when he no longer has the advantage of a powerful car to lean on, he will likely discover that the reckless driving styles he exhibited in Austria, Hungary, Mexico, and Abu Dhabi will significantly harm his performance.
— Andy 🪿 (@AndyGraham22) December 17, 2024

Having seen this multiple times now, Verstappen’s closest rivals should take notes and use this weakness against him in 2025.

Facing a driver such as Verstappen will undoubtedly present an exceedingly challenging battle for victory, more so when the competition becomes side by side on the track.

Considering the situation, those surrounding him should strive to create conditions that could potentially hamper his performance, essentially making things difficult for him. An effective method to achieve this might be to inadvertently cause him some discomfort or inconvenience, if you will, without causing actual harm.

Understanding and provoking Verstappen’s frustration could be beneficial since it often leads him, a driver known for his precision, to commit errors.

Can we find ways to provoke and disturb the invincible driver? Here are some strategies:

1. Matching his speed and racing style on the track, aiming to reach the apex before him and then swiftly pushing him off the circuit.
2. Having a teammate delay his pit stops, creating a situation where he may be forced into an emergency, unplanned maneuver.
3. Deviating from the agreed strategy to confuse him and potentially cause him to lose focus.
4. Even resorting to underhanded tactics like holding him up intentionally, all with the goal of rattling the driver who is virtually untouchable when he’s calm and composed.

A key point to note is that the FIA became more strict when handing out penalties during the last few races of 2024, a fact that adversely affected Max Verstappen, particularly in Mexico and Abu Dhabi following his lap one, turn one collision with Oscar Piastri.

If another driver manages to make him receive a penalty more easily than usual, this could be a significant disadvantage for him and an advantage for the other driver, perhaps even greater than any time prior to 2025.

frankly speaking, among all the drivers in the racing grid, Max stands out as the least competitive wheel-to-wheel racer. It’s hard to believe, but he’s not very skilled compared to others. He deserved the penalty he received. Perhaps the FIA will impose penalties on him more frequently next season…
— Andrew E (@andrewje_home) December 8, 2024

In the spirit of the familiar phrase, “calmness conquers,” it’s quite possible that the 2025 world championship contest could be as tense as a nerve-wracking thriller, with up to six or seven drivers vying for victory, as speculated by many. For a seasoned champion and icon like Hamilton, who has previously engaged in a title battle with Verstappen, this unpredictable scenario might just work to his advantage, given his composed demeanor under pressure. Similarly, the cool-headed and calculating Piastri, known for his unflappability in the face of any adversity, could also leverage this volatile situation to his favor.

It’s undeniable that Verstappen won’t be easily defeated using the same strategies employed over the last four years.

If your vehicles are equally matched, he’ll outperform you, using whatever methods required, similar to the year 2021. If his car is superior, he won’t even consider giving you a chance, and this will be particularly true in 2022 and especially 2023. Even if your vehicle surpasses his, his skill and consistency might prove challenging to match without a substantial edge, much like the year 2024.

To prevent Verstappen from potentially winning five championships consecutively, it isn’t enough to simply put pressure on him. Instead, competitors should aim to identify and relentlessly capitalize on his sole vulnerability as much as possible.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but wonder if this latest challenge will either persistently nag at him or, for the very first time in his illustrious racing journey, compel him to adapt his unbeaten strategy.

2025-01-05 14:32