Häkkinen: “Verstappen and Leclerc are the future of F1”

Mika Häkkinen looked back on the outcome of the 2019 season of F1 in Abu Dhabi. Behind Lewis Hamilton, untouchable at the wheel of his Mercedes W10, Max Verstappen et Charles Leclerc completed the podium at the Yas Marina circuit.

The double world champion believes that the resident of Red Bull Racing and the rising star of the Team Ferrari represent the future of F1, as the 34-year-old Briton looks set to break world records Michael Schumacher.

“It was fitting that Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc joined him on the podium, as they represent the future of F22 at 1, explains the Finn in his column on Unibet. We have seen some sensational performances from them this year, winning races and positioning themselves as future champions. »

With 3 victories to his name, Max Verstappen scored points at Red Bull after a checkered 2018.

“This year has been important for Max, notes the Finn. He made some mistakes in the first part of 2018, overdriving a car that wasn't fast enough, but he's been great this season. He took victories in Austria, Germany and Brazil proving how strong he was and that the Red Bull – Honda partnership worked. Honda's engineers still need to find the power to get closer to Ferrari and Mercedes, but he has achieved something great when we see that he finished 3rd in the championship. »

If Charles Leclerc was beaten by the Dutchman, the new hope from Maranello still gained the upper hand over his teammate Sebastian Vettel finishing 24 points ahead of the four-time world champion in his first season with the Scuderia.

“Charles' podium in Abu Dhabi was accompanied by a €50 fine for incorrect refueling of his car and a bad stop for Sebastian Vettel. This highlights the operational issues the team continues to suffer from, underlines Mika Häkkinen. Without wishing to disrespect Pierre Gasly or Alex Albon, Ferrari could have struggled to finish 2nd in the Constructors' Championship if Red Bull had had a more consistent Max teammate. The fact that Max beat Charles and Sebastian must be noted. »

Max Verstappen will have the satisfaction of competing in his national Grand Prix at Zandvoort next year, an event which promises to be exciting given the national enthusiasm generated.