Verstappen Defended By Brundle: 'Don't Understand Why He's Still Seen As The Villain'
F1Thursday, 30 November 2023 at 14:00
Updated at Thursday, 30 November 2023 at 23:33
Former F1 driver Martin Brundle commented on the perception that the public holds over Max Verstappen's dominance in 2023.
Looking at the numbers, we have witnessed one of the most dominant seasons in the history of Formula One. Red Bull's Max Verstappen broke 14 new records this season, winning 19 out of 22 races.
While we had witnessed perfection, the Dutchman has made the sport less enjoyable for fans of other teams and those who want to see a battle for the first place. Martin Brundle wrote in his Sky Sports column:
"I meet fans and read the feisty comments people like to amplify on X, saying what a boring season it was, presumably because one combination dominated."
On the other hand, the 2023 season has been one of the most attractive in F1's history in terms of overtaking on track. According to @FDataAnalysis. "This season had 50 overtakes per race on average: the 4th highest value since 1984!"
Whats more, if there was not Red Bull this season, there would have been seven different Grand Prix winners from four different teams. Brundle continued:
"From my perspective I don't believe I've ever witnessed such a level of close racing, overtakes, and jeopardy through the entire field, which further closed as the season progressed."
In relation to the Dutchman's personality, Brundle appreciates the straightforwardness of the three-time World Champion at all times.
"He's very direct and honest, what you see is what you get, and he clearly doesn't care all that much what others think. I can't help but feel that a little more diplomacy and balance would be more fitting to the legacy he will leave, and after all, we are all only guardians of this great sport as we pass through."
Many fans accused Verstappen of "too hard" and "dangerous" racing, but the Former F1 driver thinks that has changed a while ago.
"Of course, he was feisty and a little wild as a teenager when first racing in F1, but he sorted that out and is mostly a model of calm out on track now, and as fair as anybody else when it comes to hard racing."
Like many Champions in the past (for example Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton), Verstappen is starting to see his hater crowd get bigger and bigger. Bundle concluded:
"I don't understand why he's still seen as the villain, but the fans will make up their own minds."
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