F1: Verstappen ‘best ever F1 driver’ says Dr. Helmut Marko

(GMM) Max Verstappen is now one of the best Formula 1 drivers “of all time” and his record (shown below) certainly supports that.

That is the view of Red Bull’s Dr Helmut Marko, as Dutchman Verstappen matched Sebastian Vettel’s old record with his ninth win in a row at home at Zandvoort.

Even F1 legend Fernando Alonso – second in his resurgent Aston Martin – does not disagree with a journalist who thinks Verstappen, 25, is in a class of his own at present.

“I agree with the comment. It is underestimated sometimes what Max is achieving,” said the Spaniard.

“I think Max is achieving 100 percent more often than any of the drivers at the moment, so that’s why he is dominating.”

Verstappen’s latest win was achieved in a cauldron of pressure at his home race, where the party atmosphere was clearly all about the two-time champion.

“You would think it would put him under a lot of pressure, but it doesn’t seem to bother him,” Marko told Viaplay.

“The competition behind us has become stronger, but Max stays so focused. Formula 1 is his life. That’s what makes him so strong.”

Next weekend, Verstappen will get his chance at an unprecedented tenth consecutive win.

“I don’t know any points that he can improve on,” Marko said. “He stays so calm.

“Of course it is difficult to compare different periods in Formula 1, but Verstappen is certainly one of the best drivers of all time,” said the 80-year-old.

Marko also told Servus TV: “He shook the king’s hand, got into the car and did everything right.”

Some, though, think such a level of dominance is actually not good for F1.

“If you think it’s boring, you have no idea,” Max’s father Jos told De Telegraaf newspaper.

“Every race, Max has to perform at the top of his abilities and all details have to be right. Otherwise, you can’t do such a winning streak.

“But as soon as Max puts on his helmet, I know he’s on top of it. I’m never worried about him losing concentration.

“Everywhere he has gone this weekend it’s been ‘Max, Max, Max’. Everyone wants something from him. You have to be able to deal with that,” Verstappen snr added.

Max’s co-manager Raymond Vermeulen told De Limburger newspaper: “Max is a game-changer for Formula 1, which we see now attracts a completely different audience.”

Tracking Verstappen’s Record Run

Destined to beat them all

At Age 25 Michael Schumacher 10 F1 wins
At Age 25 Ayrton Senna 2 F1 wins
At Age 25 Lewis Hamilton, 14 F1 wins
At Age 25 Max Verstappen 46 F1 wins

All-Time F1 Wins

Lewis Hamilton – 103
Michael Schumacher – 91 wins
Sebastian Vettel – 53 wins
Alain Prost – 51 wins
Max Verstappen – 46 Wins

Max Verstappen has 11 wins in 13 races this season.

If he wins another 5 of the remaining 9, he will equal Alain Prost with the 4th most wins in history.

If Max wins 7 more, he would equal Sebastian Vettel’s total of 53, and he is just 25 years old.

TBD: To Be Determined

Verstappen his last 32 races, he won 25 of them….amazing consistent domination and a Red Bull team that is performing at an elite level.

P1 – Imola
P1 – Miami
P1 – Barcelona
P3 – Monaco
P1 – Azerbaijan
P1 – Canada
P7 – Silverstone
P2 – Austria
P1 – Paul Ricard
P1 – Hungary
P1 – Spa
P1 – Zandvoort
P1 – Monza
P7 – Singapore
P1 – Suzuka
P1 – Austin TX
P1 – Mexico
P6 – Brazil
P1 – Abu Dhabi
P1 – Bahrain
P2 – Saudi Arabia
P1 – Australia
P2 – Azerbaijan
P1 – Miami
P1 – Monaco
P1 – Barcelona
P1 – Canada
P1 – Austria
P1 – England
P1 – Hungary
P1 – Belgium
P1 – Zandvoort