Ex-F1 driver Gerhard Berger has revised his previous opinion that his late friend Ayrton Senna was the greatest F1 driver of all time.
In a recent interview, Berger revealed that he now believes Max Verstappen stands slightly above Senna in the pantheon of Formula 1 greats.
Berger witnessed up close the legendary Brazilian’s driving prowess, as a rival but especially as a teammate in F1 at McLaren from 1990 to 1992.
While the Austrian initially held Senna in the highest regard, observing Verstappen’s unparalleled skills and dominance in recent years has prompted Berger to reconsider his position.
“I said previously that Senna is the best driver of all time, but I think Verstappen is slightly above that,” he to Austria’s Kronen Zeitung.
“He has skills that I have never seen before, [but] it is necessary for the fans to have more winners.
“It is also interesting to see a perfect season, as last year.
“On the one hand from the team, there were no retirements due to technical problems, no delays at pit-stops. And on the other hand from the driver who drives to the limit and makes no mistakes.”
Berger’s admiration for Verstappen is not just limited to his driving prowess. He also praises Verstappen’s maturing personality and ability to handle pressure, qualities that were arguably less evident in Senna’s younger years.
“Max is not only an exceptional driver, but he is also a very mature and level-headed young man,” Berger explained. “He has the ability to handle the immense pressure of Formula 1 better than anyone I have seen in my career.”
Senna’s legacy is undoubtedly secure, but Verstappen’s meteoric rise and unwavering dominance have left an indelible mark on the sport, prompting Berger to reconsider his long-held belief.
Looking ahead at 2024, the ten-time Grand Prix winner is seeing some encouraging signs from McLaren and Ferrari, his former teams, but Berger believes Red bull is likely to remain in a league of its own.
“McLaren is well on its way,” he said. “The team radiates calm and it can be very successful this season if they can take the next step.
“It is possible to become a strong competitor [of Red Bull], however, I see Ferrari as the second team.
“Fred Vasseur was new to the team last year and you have to give someone time. Now a year has passed, new people have been recruited and I think the team is capable of further taking a step forward.
“Despite this, we must not forget that Red Bull is the benchmark, with Max Verstappen, Adrian Newey, Helmut Marko and Christian Horner.
“[They have] such strong management, such a strong driver. It will be difficult to overtake them. I think they will ride from the front again and lead the field.”
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