Verstappen convinced Formula E star would 'overshadow him' in F1

Max Verstappen has told Formula E's Oliver Rowland he would be "overshadowing him" if he competed in Formula 1.

The surprising remark has been made by Rowland's former Nissan team-mate Sacha Fenestraz, who partnered the Briton in the all-electric series last season but was comfortably and regularly beaten by him. 

The 25-year-old's disappointing campaign resulted in Nissan opting against retaining Fenestraz. Norman Nato was signed as his replacement after the French/Argentine finished 17th in the drivers' standings.

Since being dropped by the Japanese manufacturer, Fenestraz has opened up on how difficult it was being alongside a driver of the ability of Rowland, who has earned the acclaim of Verstappen. 

According to Fenestraz, Rowland and Verstappen are good friends, with the Red Bull driver convinced the 32-year-old should be in F1. 

“I came into the season saying to myself ‘I want to be the leader of the team, I want to beat him’ but I think it was unrealistic because we are talking about Rowland, who was in his seventh season in Formula E,” Fenestraz told Motorsport.com. 

“For me, it was only my second season. It's a championship that if you look at it, all the drivers at the front are drivers who have been in Formula E for years. They have a lot of experience, they are also much older drivers.

“And me, at 24 years old [at the time], I don't have the same experience as a driver like him and also, Oliver at his best is easily on a par with Verstappen.

“He's very good friends with Verstappen, and this year Verstappen was telling Oliver that it's a pity he's not in Formula 1 because he'd be overshadowing him, so people inside motorsport know the potential he has.”