Petrov: "Too soon to judge Verstappen greatness"

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Petrov: "Too soon to judge Verstappen greatness"

Published on 24 May 2016 16:24
5
By: Rob Veenstra

It might be too early to predict greatness for F1 teen sensation Max Verstappen, according to a former grand prix driver. Even before his first win in Barcelona, many insiders were wondering if Red Bull's 18-year-old Dutchman might eventually break the great Michael Schumacher's record tally of seven career titles.

But Vitaly Petrov, Russia's first F1 driver, is applying the brakes. "I think he won in Spain deservedly," he told Sportbox, "but I think circumstances also played a role in this victory. If Mercedes had not gone out, maybe he would not even have been on the podium," Petrov, who drove for Renault and Caterham, told the Russian outlet. "In general, drivers cannot be judged by any single race. In order to make an objective assessment, we need to see over a longer period of time. Perhaps even years," he added. (GMM)

More about Max Verstappen

Verstappen looks to Nürburgring return after F1 "horror weekend"

Mar 16

Matt Caller bids emotional farewell to Red Bull Racing

Mar 16

Round the outside

Posts: 56

Petrov who?

1
May 24 2016 - 18:30

F1 News Max Verstappen Renault Mercedes

Replies (5)

Round the outside

Posts: 56
Petrov who?
- + 1
- May 24 2016 - 18:30
- mclarenfan1968
  
  Posts: 1,027
  The one who successfully held off Alonso and denied him any chance at a title in 2010, so much so Alonso lost his cool and made himself look silly.
  + 0
  
  May 25 2016 - 06:21
Patentprutser

Posts: 396
Is it necessary to report every opinion about Max Verstappen? Off course it was fortunate that the Mercedes eliminated themselves. But as Hakkinen allways said, to finish first, you first have to finish. Max did both while others couldn't catch him. He drove a great race with many rounds under pressure and made no mistakes. Much more experienced drivers have failed in this situation, he didn't. Is he great for that, no, but he is 18 years old, it was his first race in the RB12 and he DID NOT make any mastakes!

Yes, he is great. Stop being jealous, Vitaly
- + 0
- May 25 2016 - 07:32
Vet5

Posts: 225
I remember when there was massive hype with Vettel and everybody pretty much put him down as being a 1 hit wonder, and here he is a 4 time world champion. Same goes for Verstappen, I'm not a fan of his, not because of his driving style as that itself is impressive, just him as an individual, but that's just me. People need to realize that he is a future talent and the way he held his cool and defended against Raikonnen was unreal.
- + 0
- May 25 2016 - 10:15
- mclarenfan1968
  
  Posts: 1,027
  A little too early for all that, Maldonado also won a race he shouldn't have in Spain. He had what Max had, a car that was clos'er' to the front and had some mighty good set of things conspiring in his favor to get that win.
  + 0
  
  May 25 2016 - 12:19