Verstappen: I'd Never Pair Two Top Drivers as Team Boss
Max Verstappen stated he would never pair two top drivers as a team boss, calling the strategy "not sustainable" and warning it creates internal conflict that can eventually break a successful team apart.
Four-time world champion Max Verstappen has declared he would never pair two top, young drivers together if he were a Formula 1 team boss. He argues the strategy is "not sustainable" and that the resulting internal conflict can eventually "break up" even a successful team. Verstappen prefers a model with an experienced veteran mentoring a rising star, citing the upcoming Audi lineup as a prime example of a healthier dynamic.
Why it matters:
Verstappen's comments are a direct reflection of the intense pressures facing top teams like McLaren, whose drivers are locked in a tight championship battle. His perspective, coming from a driver who has experienced both intra-team harmony and conflict, offers a rare insight into the high-stakes psychology of running a championship-contending team. It underscores the fundamental F1 dilemma: is it better to have two #1 drivers fighting for wins, or a clear hierarchy to ensure stability and focus?
The details:
- The 'Two-Sided Garage' Problem: Verstappen believes pairing two peak drivers inevitably creates a "two-sided garage," where factions form and key personnel might leave due to the internal mess. He stated, "At one point, it doesn't matter how successful you are; it will break it up."
- The Veteran-Rookie Model: He praised Audi's approach of pairing a rookie like Gabriel Bortoleto with a veteran like Nico Hülkenberg. This ensures a smooth transition of leadership and prevents the team from "going backwards" when the older driver eventually retires.
- Unsustainable Pressure: The Dutch driver stressed that while teams can manage the conflict for a year or two, the pressure of fighting for a championship reveals "the true colours of people" and is not a long-term solution.
Looking Ahead:
Verstappen's prediction that we will "see that happening very soon" puts a spotlight on how teams like McLaren manage their driver dynamic through the remainder of the season and beyond. His philosophy provides a clear blueprint for how he might approach team management, a role he has been linked with in the long-term future at Red Bull, emphasizing stability and harmony over all-out internal war.