Ferrari boss dismisses Max Verstappen’s claim that he could have won the title in either McLaren or Ferrari.
The rivalry among drivers extends beyond the race track, as all racing drivers are competitive in various aspects of their lives.
They often enjoy taunting their competitors, like suggesting that their rivals didn’t maximize their opportunities.
After securing his fourth title, Max Verstappen suggested that he could have still won the title if he had been driving for McLaren or Ferrari. This statement was met with reactions from Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc, who questioned the validity of the claim.
In an interview with Autosprint, Fred Vasseur also refuted the idea put forward by the four-time world champion.
“It is illogical to assume or state that Verstappen would have achieved the same result in another team, as the driver’s performance is closely tied to the capabilities of the car,” stated Vasseur.
He further explained, “There are numerous factors at play. It is unreasonable to assert that Verstappen would have triumphed in a McLaren, as the team’s success is also dependent on the input and collaboration with its current drivers.”
Despite the relative stability in regulations, Red Bull did not dominate the 2023 season as they did previously. The internal strife within the team, combined with Sergio Perez’s struggles, put significant pressure on Red Bull at a time when the top teams were increasingly evenly matched.
McLaren emerged as a strong contender following updates introduced in Miami, while Ferrari also showed improved performance, challenging McLaren for the constructors’ title.
Vasseur acknowledged, “In 2022 and 2023, Red Bull had a significant edge. However, this year, even a slight error could push Red Bull down the grid.”
Despite the challenges faced by Red Bull, Verstappen showcased his ability to perform exceptionally even in difficult circumstances.
Vasseur noted, “His ability to excel under pressure is impressive. It’s a lesson for us to maximize results even when we’re not the strongest.”
“To win, you must stand out even when things are not in your favor… that’s where he excelled,” Vasseur concluded.
