Villeneuve: Max Verstappen, “an insult” to F1

The tenure of Max Verstappen in Toro Rosso has sparked numerous controversies. At just 17 years old, the Dutchman is set to become the youngest driver in the history of the F1. If the new protégé of Helmut Marko, the head of the young pilot sector of the Taureau Rouge, has proven in F3 European Championship that he had a certain talent in single-seaters, his lack of experience was generally poorly received by the paddock.

Jacques Villeneuve is one of those who sees the arrival of Max Verstappen as harmful for the brand image of F1. The son of Jos Verstappen was still evolving in karting last year. « I think Max is an insult (for F1) », declared the 1997 world champion to Omnicorse. « Red Bull does he realize he is putting a child in an F1 car? I'm sure he's fast but he doesn't have the experience. I only arrived in F1 at the age of 25 and I established myself in IndyCar (1995 Champ Car World Series champion). You have to learn before you fight and that is not the role of F1. »

The FIA ​​also set limits by requiring a certain maturity from pilots in exchange for the super license. “He should be 21,” continued Jacques Villeneuve. “Drivers must arrive in F1 having established themselves and having acquired great experience. F1 is not a Championship where a driver must develop. His debut sent a negative message for F1 and I believe the impact was not as positive as Red Bull hoped. Verstappen arrives, he does ten laps, and already looks competitive. We have the impression that everyone can drive an F1 car, whereas drivers were considered heroes driving monsters in my father's time (Gilles Villeneuve). F1 impressed me when I arrived, even after having driven IndyCar. But this form of F1 is not more exciting, the cars seem slow. »