Record-breaker Max Verstappen joined Red Bull’s junior squad, Toro Rosso, in 2015 at the age of 17, making his debut in the Formula 1 circuit. Hamilton was then scheduled to start his second championship-winning season with Mercedes.
The Dutchman has since bulldozed his way to three-time World Champion status. In 2021, Verstappen, now a Red Bull driver, entered the title fight for the first time and defeated Lewis Hamilton at the conclusion of one of F1’s greatest seasons. This victory signalled the beginning of the Verstappen era.
Max Verstappen, a “Formula 1 driver,” vs Lewis Hamilton, a “brand”
With his home event, the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, revived as a celebration of the flying Dutchman, Verstappen is now very much at the forefront of the series, with his “Orange Army” followers following him around Europe and packed the grandstands.
Furthermore, Watson claims that Verstappen has “single-handedly saved” Formula 1 by drawing in new fans, which sets him apart from Hamilton, who is a “brand” and isn’t known for his F1 endeavours alone.
Watson told Verstappen.com that Max was the greatest thing to happen to Formula 1.
I likened Max’s transfer from us to Red Bull to Michael Schumacher’s transfer to Ferrari. At the time, he greatly increased Formula 1’s popularity. Just have a look at the vintage photos of Hockenheim and Spa; Schumacher flags were flying from every stand.
“Max probably saved Formula 1 on his own.” because he sparks curiosity and brings the same intensity. For him, people travel in large numbers to Austria, Spa, and really everywhere. That was not even there while Schumacher was alive.
Despite being sixty years old, my wife adores Max. due to his mannerisms and the enthusiasm he generates when driving. Max introduces Formula 1 to a completely new audience.