Former Ferrari F1 driver Eddie Irvine compared Max Verstappen to Michael Schumacher after the Dutchman’s dramatic battle with Lewis Hamilton ended with both drivers leaving Baku empty-handed.
The race in Azerbaijan took several dramatic turns when, just before the end, Verstappen crashed after a puncture, giving Hamilton the chance to make it into the drivers’ championship.
However, the seven-time world champion locked up shortly afterwards, a mistake that resulted in an extremely disappointing 15th place.
In fact, the shocking result ended Hamilton’s record breaking 54-race course, where he landed in the points.
Still, Verstappen’s achievements have been highly praised by Eddie Irvine, the former driver runner-up in the Drivers.
“He is [Verstappen’s] had many, many different second drivers on the team and none of them came close to him. So it’s a bit like the Michael Schumacher Effect. “
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Comparisons with Schumacher are practically as good as it gets in F1, with the German previously holding driver and racing victory records previously considered sacrosanct before the relentless Hamilton caught up.
Such comments can only boost the confidence of a 23 year old Dutchman who doesn’t need such help.
The rivalry between Hamilton and Verstappen grew fierce, with the latter telling reporters after his disappointment in Baku: “I think when I’m in his [Hamilton’s] Auto I’m still two tenths faster than him, I don’t care what he says. “
Although Hamilton generally assumes that he will benefit from driving the faster machine, the poor performances of his teammate Valteri Bottas make life difficult for the experienced 36-year-old.
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Bottas had a particularly bad week in Azerbaijan and barely made it into Q3 before losing points alongside his team-mate.
After the race, Bottas said: “There were weekends when I had bad sessions, but at some point I had the pace. But things have been bad this weekend and I still don’t understand why. I can’t remember ever having such a weekend. “
With increasing pressure on the Finn, rumors are growing that Williams’ George Russell will be drafted as his replacement.
Recent reports even suggest this mid-season switch could happen if his shape doesn’t pick up.
In contrast, Verstappen has the advantage of a shapely wingman in his paddock. The Mexican Sergio Perez takes third place in the drivers ‘championship after exploiting the big boys’ mistakes to take the main prize in Baku.
The Canadian Grand Prix is fast approaching, Hamilton is eager for redemption and Verstappen’s confidence rises on Irvine’s recent comments, the next twist in this dramatic rivalry can only be imagined.
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