Max Verstappen’s Driving Style Described as ‘Art Form’ by…..Read more
Max Verstappen has once again been praised for his exceptional driving talent, this time by fellow Formula 1 driver Nico Hulkenberg, who likened the Dutchman’s skill behind the wheel to “an art form.” In a recent interview with Dutch outlet Nu.nl, Hulkenberg discussed why Verstappen’s Red Bull teammates have consistently failed to match his performance level, despite driving the same machinery.
The German driver, currently racing for Stake F1, described Verstappen’s driving as “pure class” and suggested that the four-time world champion’s abilities are still underestimated by many in the sport. “The cars are the same, but Max is exceptionally good,” Hulkenberg stated. “What he does is pure class, almost an art form.”
Since Daniel Ricciardo’s departure from Red Bull at the end of 2018, no teammate has come close to matching Verstappen’s dominance within the team. Drivers including Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez, and Liam Lawson have all struggled to compete on equal footing. Now, Yuki Tsunoda will be the next driver to test himself alongside the reigning champion.
Hulkenberg pointed out that the culture within Red Bull can be unforgiving, especially for those unable to perform at Verstappen’s level from the outset. “Red Bull is an environment where you have to perform right away. If you don’t succeed, it affects your self-confidence. Especially if your teammate is Max Verstappen. The culture there is very tough.”
One major factor contributing to the performance gap is the car’s unique setup. Verstappen prefers a car that is extremely responsive and front-end focused — a trait that makes the car challenging to drive for others. Former Red Bull drivers such as Albon and Lawson have compared it to playing Call of Duty with the controller sensitivity maxed out — fast, reactive, and incredibly difficult to handle.
Verstappen’s preference for a “nervous,” pointy car has led Red Bull to develop their machines around his style, including the current RB21 and its predecessor, the RB20. This setup suits Verstappen perfectly but can be overwhelming for teammates who require a more balanced or forgiving car.
Even experienced drivers like Perez, who at times looked capable of challenging Verstappen, eventually saw their performances decline under pressure. In fact, Perez’s struggles over the final 18 months of his Red Bull stint led to his dismissal from the team — a decision some felt came later than it should have.
Hulkenberg’s admiration highlights Verstappen’s unique capabilities and explains why so many have failed to thrive alongside him. While the cars may be identical on paper, Verstappen’s mastery behind the wheel continues to elevate him far above his peers — turning elite driving into something that, as Hulkenberg puts it, borders on artistry.
