Verstappen 'intimidation' strength compared to F1 legends

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has likened Max Verstappen's "intimidation" strength to several legends of the sport. 

Verstappen had to drive aggressively at times last year to secure a fourth consecutive F1 drivers' title, due to Red Bull encountering problems with the RB20. 

For the majority of the second half of 2024, Red Bull had a weaker car than both McLaren and Ferrari, resulting in Verstappen requiring to get his elbows out on several occasions. 

The Dutchman's aggression was often too much for any of his rivals to overcome, although Verstappen was heavily penalised in Mexico City for two separate incidents with Lando Norris. 

Going into the new season, some are expecting Verstappen to be aggressive on a regular basis should Red Bull not have the strongest car. 

Herbert does not see the reigning champion becoming more aggressive this year, with the Briton detailing the importance of his ability to intimidate his rivals. 

According to Herbert, Verstappen's ability to intimidate his rivals even when things are not going perfect is similar to Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna and other F1 icons, putting him in the discussion of being one of the best in the sport's history.

"I don’t think Max Verstappen will drive any more aggressively than he does already, I think the amount of aggression that we see at the moment is probably as much as he will deal out," Herbert told Casinoutanspelpaus.io. 

"It's intimidation Verstappen has with everything he's done, it was similar to Michael Schumacher’s intimidation to a degree, same with Ayrton Senna. 

"Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell, Mika Hakkinen and Sebastian Vettel. All these special drivers have an ability to shine even when things are difficult."