Sam Bird hails 'scary' Max Verstappen as the fastest driver he's ever seen in F1
Ex-F1 driver Sam Bird has called Max Verstappen the fastest and most 'relentless' driver he has ever seen in Formula 1, describing the Red Bull champion's performance level as 'scary.' The praise highlights Verstappen's peer-recognized talent, even after a 2025 season where he finished a close second to Lando Norris.
Former Formula 1 and current Formula E driver Sam Bird has declared Max Verstappen the fastest driver he has ever witnessed in the sport, describing the Red Bull star's relentless performance as "scary." This high praise comes despite Verstappen narrowly missing out on the 2025 drivers' championship to Lando Norris by just two points after a dominant late-season surge.
Why it matters:
In a sport where marginal gains define champions, receiving such unequivocal praise from a respected peer underscores Verstappen's exceptional talent and the intimidating standard he sets. Bird's comments highlight a driver operating at a perceived peak level, whose performance transcends the machinery and becomes a benchmark for pure speed and consistency.
The details:
- Speaking on the BBC's Chequered Flag podcast, Bird expressed complete awe at Verstappen's skill level, stating he has never seen anyone faster in Formula 1.
- He emphasized Verstappen's "relentless" nature, a trait that makes his dominance "scary" when provided with a competitive car.
- This assessment follows a 2025 season where Verstappen mounted a stunning second-half comeback, winning the final three Grands Prix, though it wasn't quite enough to overtake Norris for the title.
The big picture:
Bird's remarks add to the growing consensus within the F1 paddock regarding Verstappen's extraordinary capabilities. Even in a season where he did not ultimately win the championship, his raw pace and racecraft remain the subject of universal respect and analysis. This peer recognition solidifies his status not just as a top competitor, but as a generational talent whose driving style and speed are redefining expectations.
What's next:
Verstappen remains characteristically busy during the off-season, recently testing Mercedes GT3 cars at the Estoril circuit in Portugal as part of preparations for his Verstappen.com Racing team. His focus, however, will swiftly return to Red Bull's 2026 car development, as he aims to convert his undeniable speed into a fifth world championship title when the new regulations era begins.