F1: Verstappen’s stardom was obvious at a young age – Gasly
Pierre Gasly said it was obvious at an early age that Max Verstappen was tipped for success at an early age.
Both drivers raced in karting and moved up the ranks together.
Speaking to F1.com, Gasly explained how Verstappen was instantly recognized as a different breed in the junior categories. The Alpine driver said:
🗣️ | Pierre Gasly on the hype around Max since he was young
“It was clear already from a very young age, when we raced in karting, the hype around him was already very different to any other drivers”
“The way that he came to F1 and performed and switched to Red Bull just… pic.twitter.com/CICXP8u8wz
— RBR News 🇳🇱🇲🇽 (@redbulletin) September 12, 2023
Gasly also labeled the Dutchman an “icon.”
“The way that he came to F1 and performed and switched to Red Bull just amplified everything that followed, but I would say it’s no surprise that he’s where he is today and he’s got the following, especially in the Netherlands,” he said. “From an outside point of view, he seems to be pretty much the icon of the country.”
Lauda Knew right away Verstappen was a Sensation
Niki Lauda lauded Verstappen after his first win in 2016 – called him the talent of the century
Niki Lauda, the only Mercedes person with class.
Goat recognizes goat ❤️
— Marc1️⃣3️⃣3️⃣🔟 (@433_marc) September 3, 2023
![Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing celebrates his first F1 win with father Jos Verstappen during the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit de Catalunya on May 15, 2016 in Montmelo, Spain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)](https://www.autoracing1.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/f1/spain/verstappens2.jpg)