Anthony Davidson names the F1 ‘tough nut’ he’d ‘love’ to see go up against Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen has proven to be unstoppable in the modern era of Formula 1 as the Dutchman secured his fourth world championship in 2024.

Winning this season’s title at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Verstappen’s fourth F1 win has arguably been his most challenging given his RB20 has been difficult to drive for much of the season.

As McLaren and Ferrari overtook Red Bull in development, the 27-year-old went on a 10-race winless run after the Spanish Grand Prix as his rivals began to close the gap he had built at the start of the year.

Despite a surge from Lando Norris, the Brit could not take full advantage of his McLaren’s package as Verstappen put the title out of sight with his sensational win at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The Dutchman leads Norris by 80 points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Heading into 2025, many will be wondering if McLaren and Ferrari can get the edge over Verstappen to put an end to his dominance.

Speaking on The F1 Show at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Anthony Davidson named one departing F1 driver he would love to see go up against the Dutchman.

Anthony Davidson would ‘love’ to see Kevin Magnussen go up against Max Verstappen

For the third time in his F1 career, Kevin Magnussen will be out of the sport as he departs Haas at the end of the 2024 season.

It has been a rollercoaster ride for the Dane in the pinnacle of motorsport. Magnussen started out with McLaren in 2014 but left the team at the end of the season and took a year out before signing with Renault in 2016.

The 32-year-old joined Haas in 2017 and spent four years with the American outfit before he was sacked in 2020. Magnussen returned to the team in 2022, scoring his and the team’s first and only pole position to date at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

READ MORE: Haas driver Kevin Magnussen’s life outside F1 from wife to net worth

The Dane’s 2024 campaign has been eventful as he has caused drama on track multiple times with his defensive driving for his teammate Nico Hulkenberg. Magnussen was suspended from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix for accumulating 12 points on his superlicense.

As Davidson looked back at Magnussen’s career, he says it’s ‘just a shame’ that he did not get a chance in a more competitive car as he would ‘love’ to see the Dane battle Verstappen.

“Well to be in and out and then in and out again, yeah he’s a tough nut isn’t he? Kevin Magnussen.

“We’ve enjoyed his antics on circuit, I don’t think the competitors have enjoyed a lot of it, but he’s created entertainment and it’s just a shame that he hasn’t been in a more competitive car more frequently, because I’d love to see him up against Max Verstappen.”

Could Kevin Magnussen return to F1?

Ahead of his final outing for Haas in Abu Dhabi, Magnussen has confirmed his plans for 2025 as he joins BMW in their endurance programme.

It is not currently known if he will be racing in the World Endurance Championship or the IMSA SportsCar Championship, but Magnussen has made it clear that his F1 career is not over, hinting at a possible return in 2026.

Cadillac are set to join F1 in 2026 through General Motors, marking the first time there will be 22 cars on the grid since 2016.

Magnussen hinted at a possible move to Cadillac in 2026 as F1’s newcomers want to bring in an experienced driver alongside a young American talent.