Briatore hits out at 'totally stupid' Verstappen critics

Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore has jumped to the defence of Max Verstappen by calling his critics "totally stupid".

Despite being a four-time champion, Verstappen often receives heavy criticism from followers of the sport, in particular for being too aggressive. 

Briatore has a history of working with some of the greatest F1 drivers of all time, including Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso.

The Italian was also close to Ayrton Senna, with the former Renault team principal seeing shades of the Brazilian, Schumacher and Alonso in Verstappen.

"He reminds me of Michael, of Fernando, of Ayrton Senna," Briatore told Sport1.

"[Verstappen is] exactly what Formula 1 needed. Everyone criticises this boy for his spectacular driving. 

"That's totally stupid! He brought new energy to the sport. Formula 1 desperately needed this new star."

Schumacher almost fought Senna

Briatore worked with Schumacher during the 1994 and 1995 F1 seasons whilst the seven-time world champion raced for Benetton, before working with Alonso at Renault for several seasons in the 2000s. 

As a result of having worked with such decorated drivers, the 74-year-old has a strong understanding of what it takes for a driver to become world champion. 

It is Schumacher who Briatore sees the most of in Verstappen, especially when it comes to aggression. 

Schumacher was renowned for his aggressive driving, whilst Briatore revealed that it almost saw him fight Senna.

"Once, Michael was even close to getting into a fight with Senna," revealed Briatore. "During a test in Germany, Senna attacked him. 

"He told him that he was the world champion and that Michael should have more respect. Michael didn't care. 

"He wanted to gain respect for himself, which is why he drove so aggressively. That's the only way to become world champion."