Why Max Verstappen may be entering his greatest era yet, according to Marko

“He definitely is the best driver we ever had,” the 81-year-old started off. “He's developing, developing. And in Imola, this third corner overtaking was unbelievable. And I don't see the end of his progress yet. It always comes something extra. Like last year, the race in Brazil in the red from I think 17th to first. He's getting faster with less risk and more calm.”

Why is Verstappen so special? Because when it counts, he's always there, says Marko. “He doesn't have to push every lap. He's really, I would say, relaxed, but he's not pushing or it doesn't look like he's on the limit or so it [is] just when it matters, he delivers.” David Coulthard, currently an analyst but also a former Formula 1 driver, also compared the Dutchman with Formula 1 legend Ayrton Senna.

This season, it all doesn't come naturally to Verstappen. In 2023, he had a particularly dominant car, and at the beginning of 2024, no other driver could match the Dutchman in his RB20. In this last year before the new regulations come into effect, McLaren seems to be the top favorite for the world title in both the Drivers' and the Constructors' championships. Verstappen is currently 39 points behind Lando Norris and 49 points behind leader Oscar Piastri.

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