Emerson Fittipaldi pinpoints the Ayrton Senna gift that makes Max Verstappen so ‘incredible’

Max Verstappen’s title defence in 2025 has been a tough affair, with the Dutchman now 20 points off Lando Norris in third place heading into the Canadian Grand Prix.

The previous race in Spain saw the Red Bull driver clock up 11 points on his superlicence, now putting Verstappen one point away from incurring an automatic one-race ban.

Verstappen was irate with his Red Bull team after they told him to hand a position back to George Russell, following an earlier skirmish for fourth place.

Now the Dutchman is facing the prospect of losing out on fifth title in a row, especially now that Red Bull has written off their Constructors’ Championship hopes.

It’s well-known how much Verstappen has carried Red Bull in the last couple of years, and two-time world champion Emerson Fittipaldi has explained why he thinks the Dutchman is such a brilliant driver when speaking on the Beyond the Grid podcast.

Emerson Fittipaldi thinks Max Verstappen is carrying Red Bull with Ayrton Senna gift

Fittipaldi raced in F1 during the deadly 70s and 80s era, when safety was often an afterthought. Having raced against greats such as Niki Lauda and Ronnie Peterson, the Brazilian has explained why he thinks Verstappen is one of F1’s best drivers.

“I think Max is on a level of driving now that is incredible. He carries the Red Bull car on his back. He’s not driving, he’s carrying the car in situations, like the Brazilian Grand Prix last year. It’s amazing what he did. I go back to Ayrton Senna to compare his driving style,” said Fittipaldi.

“I think what’s very impressive is that he’s able to utilize 100% of the car full-time. He knows to keep the balance, to use the four wheels effectively, holding the sideways bite correctly. And I think that’s very impressive. And braking into the corners, everything.

“He’s always on the edge of the balance of the car, utilising the maximum grip available in each different situation, braking, turning, mid-corner, and exit. He can use the four wheels perfectly.”

Max Verstappen points scored for Red Bull vs teammate in last four years

Verstappen’s points tally has often been cited as effectively being his own private team, having outscored them comfortably.

Last year, he scored over 80 per cent of his teammate Sergio Perez’s points tally, while this season he is currently 127 points ahead of Yuki Tsunoda.

It is an impressive feat for Verstappen and shows just how consistent he is behind the wheel of his Red Bull since winning his first title in 2021.

The Dutchman might be over 20 points away from the McLaren drivers, but if the last few seasons have shown, he should not be written off as a title contender.