After a difficult start to the season, in which the RB21 simply could not match the speed of the superior McLaren MCL39, Max Verstappen managed to achieve a special series of results in the second half of the season. While the Dutchman only managed to find his way to the podium five times before the summer break, after the summer break he managed to finish all nine races in the top three, including six victories.
In the end it was just not enough for the world title. Lando Norris won with a difference of two points. Nevertheless, the Dutchman’s comeback was the topic of conversation during the last three months of the Formula 1 season. At the end of December he was also named driver of the year by both his colleagues and the team bosses.
Only right, says Jock Clear. The former Ferrari engineer believes that the Dutchman is in a class of his own, compared to the other drivers in the premier class of motorsport. He talks to Casinohawks admitted that he would love to work with the four-time champion.
“I actually don’t know Max Verstappen personally at all, and in a way I know little about him. That’s a shame, because from the outside he seems like such a huge talent. I would like to understand where that comes from.”
Verstappen’s speed is not correct on paper
Clear would especially like to experience up close where and how Verstappen makes the difference: “If you try to analyze why he is so much faster than the other Red Bull and Racing Bulls drivers, as an outsider you cannot get the picture right. It just doesn’t add up on paper. Ultimately you can only conclude that Max has something very special.”
The former engineer also looks back at Verstappen’s famous comeback. He can’t help but be impressed. “What Max showed at the end of the 2025 season was simply incredible. He is currently at the level that all other drivers should aspire to. In doing so, I am absolutely not selling Lando Norris, the current world champion, short.”
It is not that Clear doesn’t think Norris is a strong driver. He just can’t match the Dutchman yet. “I think Lando himself knows very well that he has more in him. He will be a stronger driver next year, especially with the confidence that comes with driving starting number one. But he still has steps to take before he is at the same level as Max.”
Keep reading
,autocrop(1200:630))
