P1racenews AI automatic summary:
“I think he sort of lives in their heads rent-free, a little bit, because they don’t know what he’s going to do next. And that is entirely intentional.”
F1 commentator Martin Brundle believes Max Verstappen “lives rent-free’ in his rivals’ heads when it comes to battling him on track due to his aggressive driving style. Verstappen is known as the most aggressive driver on the 2025 F1 grid, not hesitating to push the limits, as seen in his clashes with Lando Norris and George Russell. Despite occasional collisions like in the Spanish Grand Prix, Verstappen’s bold moves often pay off, as exemplified by his race-winning overtake on Oscar Piastri in the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Brundle compares Verstappen’s aggression to legends like Senna and Schumacher, leaving rivals uncertain and on edge.
2009 F1 world champion Jenson Button suggests that George Russell is the only driver unafraid to challenge Verstappen’s aggressive driving tactics, referencing Russell’s call-out post Qatar Grand Prix. Button praises Russell for standing up to Verstappen and highlighting instances where other drivers have not. Russell criticized the lack of pushback against Verstappen, citing Lewis Hamilton’s assertive but fair approach in their 2021 championship battle. Button praises Russell for pointing out discrepancies in on-track behavior among drivers during the current F1 season.
