1997 Formula 1 world champion, Jacques Villeneuve, has claimed that Red Bull do not need Max Verstappen to be successful, arguing that Fernando Alonso could achieve the same success for the constructors’ champions should the Dutchman leave.
Rumors have emerged that Verstappen could be in line for a shock move to Mercedes, as fans start to consider what life without the 26-year-old at Red Bull could look like.
Despite dominatingF1for the last three seasons, Villeneuve is adamant that Verstappen is not the key to Red Bull’s success.
“Who is to say that [team principal, Christian] Horner is not the huge asset?” he toldOLBGregarding Verstappen’s position at Red Bull.
“Would the team be as good without Horner? That is a difficult one. Would the team win without Verstappen? Probably. Max is winning because he has an amazing car and Red Bull is winning because they have an amazing driver.
“But he is not the only amazing driver that exists. Put Alonso in that car and he would be winning as well.
“The same thing happened in the past with Sebastian Vettel. No one could imagine him driving in another team. It just looked weird. But when it happened people just went with it. And they ended up winning with someone else. So, a team is always bigger than the driver.”
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A shock DNF at last week’s Australian Grand Prix has seen Verstappen’s lead in the drivers’ championship cut to just four points, with the three-time world champion no doubt eager to restore his cushion further at the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix.
Matt Hobkinson was a Senior Sports Writer at Dexerto. Matt is a dedicated football and Formula 1 fan and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the sports. He has previously worked at PA Media, Manchester Evening News, Chronicle Live, Leeds Live and others covering the region’s football clubs and sports stars.
