Max Verstappen Quietly Earns 'Dad of the Rookies' Title Through Mentorship
Max Verstappen is being hailed as the 'dad of the rookies' by F1's newest drivers for his behind-the-scenes mentorship and support. Rookies Kimi Antonelli and Gabriel Bortoleto have highlighted how the four-time champion has offered crucial encouragement, helping them navigate the intense pressures of their debut season.
Away from the relentless on-track battles, a new narrative has emerged this Formula 1 season: four-time world champion Max Verstappen is quietly becoming a key mentor and source of support for the grid's influx of rookies, earning him the affectionate nickname 'dad of the rookies' from the newcomers themselves.
Why it matters:
This shift reveals a more nuanced side of a driver often defined by his uncompromising competitiveness. As F1 undergoes a significant generational shift, having an established, dominant champion actively support the next wave of talent fosters a healthier paddock environment and helps ease the immense pressure rookies face. It suggests a maturing legacy for Verstappen that extends beyond his race wins.
The details:
The mentorship role was highlighted by two of this year's rookies, Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli and Sauber's Gabriel Bortoleto.
- Support in the Background: Bortoleto, who shares a friendship with Verstappen through sim racing, noted the champion's quiet support has been meaningful alongside encouragement from other veterans like Fernando Alonso.
- A Lifeline After Criticism: For Antonelli, Verstappen's support was particularly impactful following the intense online criticism he faced after an incident with Lando Norris in Qatar. Verstappen reached out privately during that difficult time.
- A Collective Effort: Antonelli emphasized that the supportive atmosphere extends beyond Verstappen, noting that Lewis Hamilton and other senior drivers have also embraced the large rookie class this season, each offering support in their own way.
The big picture:
This dynamic marks a notable evolution in Verstappen's persona within the paddock. While his driving remains as fierce as ever, his off-track conduct is showing a leadership and protective quality. This 'paddock dad' role helps bridge the experience gap during a period of unprecedented grid turnover, making the pinnacle of motorsport slightly less daunting for its newest competitors. It underscores that success in F1 isn't solely about individual achievement but can also involve guiding the sport's future.