F1 News
Verstappen warned of relapse: "Reality could be very different"
- GPblog.com
Max Verstappen is known as a driver who is not easily swayed. Even during his home race at Zandvoort, the young Dutchman did not succumb to the pressure on his shoulders. However, that coolness can also have a setback, according to Norbert Haug, former sport director of Mercedes.
Verstappen's coolness
With a lead of nineteen points over Lewis Hamilton, Verstappen is heading well into the final four races of the season. Haug believes that this lead is very pleasing on the one hand, but also carries dangers. "The more signals speak in your favour at any given time, the greater the pressure becomes," he told Motorsport-Total.com. "Verstappen is a cool dog, but at some point, the coolness can have a setback."
According to Haug, there have been plenty of drivers in the past who eventually succumbed to the pressure. "The coolest drivers have experienced that - Hamilton has experienced that, Raikkonen, Alonso." However, Haug does not want to claim that this will also be the case with Verstappen. "I don't make assumptions or predictions. The omens are good, but the reality can be very different."
Hamilton more motivated than ever
"I'm sure the vast majority of more neutral fans are saying, 'No more chance for Hamilton.' But I see it differently," Haug said of Verstappen's title chances. "Not out of old tradition, but because I know what the team and the driver are capable of. You certainly shouldn't discount the motivated striker Hamilton and a motivated team. Besides, Red Bull can also throw away points, even with a superior car and a better strategy."