Ecclestone’s Stern Assertion to F1 Drivers: Verstappen Would Triumph with McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes Too
Former Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone never misses a chance to generate controversial headlines wherever he goes, and now he has made a bold statement regarding Max Verstappen.
The Red Bull superstar has clinched three consecutive world titles and dominated the 2023 season, securing victory in 19 out of 22 races and setting records for the highest number of wins and points accumulated by a driver in a single season.
The 93-year-old billionaire believes that Verstappen has established a benchmark for the other 19 drivers in F1, asserting that he would win even in the next three fastest cars aside from his Red Bull.
“They have patiently endured Mercedes’ dominance, replacing each weak link one by one, developing the best team, the best design, the best car, and the best driver. Christian Horner has done an excellent job,” Ecclestone told Sport Bild.
“Max is currently the benchmark in every aspect. You could also place him in a McLaren, and probably in a Ferrari or a Mercedes, and he would still win.”
Verstappen, well aware that a competitive car is essential for consistent victories, knows from experience that winning beyond occasional races is impossible without one. This was evident in his own career between 2015 and 2020, where he never came close to winning the world championship despite his brilliance, first with Toro Rosso and then during five additional years at Red Bull, as Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton enjoyed a period of dominance.
The Dutchman understands the impact of having a competitive car, regardless of his exceptional driving skills.
