Long-time Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone (93) recognizes traits of motorsport icon Michael Schumacher in Max Verstappen. “Max Verstappen has a bit of him in him,” Ecclestone told the German Press Agency. “Max isn’t as merciless as Michael was, because Michael didn’t even think about making compromises.” Schumacher was “a little more ruthless” on the asphalt.
Verstappen (26) is the dominator of the current Formula 1 era. The Red Bull driver won three titles in a row, and last season alone the Dutchman secured 19 of 22 Grand Prix successes. Schumacher (54) is a record champion together with Lewis Hamilton (38), both of whom won the World Cup seven times each. The Kerpen native even won the World Cup five times in a row from 2000 to 2004. Since a serious skiing accident at the end of 2013, Schumacher has lived away from the public.
Ecclestone, who was replaced as managing director of Formula 1 after the takeover of Liberty Media in 2017, would grant Hamilton his eighth world title. “I hope he makes it. He would then make history,” said the Brit. But Hamilton’s Mercedes team has a lot of catching up to do to catch up with Red Bull. The new season begins with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 2nd.
