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How would Vettel fare alongside Verstappen? 'Everyone is beatable'

26 September 2023 at 08:53
Last update 26 September 2023 at 09:07
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  • GPblog.com

Sebastian Vettel has said it before: Max Verstappen's performance this season in Formula 1 is second to none. But how would the four-time world champion fare if he were allowed to take on Verstappen himself? In Japan, Channel 4 asked him about it.

Racing against Verstappen

The first thing the 36-year-old driver says is that it will take quite a lot of dedication if he wants to drive in a Formula 1 race again now. "Not like that [clicks fingers], because that’s how good he is, and that’s just not how it works for any one of us," says Vettel. "But, of course, I believe in what I can and know what I can do and maybe what I can’t do. I think I’m very different to him, but I mean, obviously, I’m convinced that everybody is beatable."

However, it will not be easy for Vettel. Firstly, of course, because Verstappen operates at a very high level, but also because Vettel left the king class of motorsport some time ago. After last year, he retired from F1 after two seasons with Aston Martin.

"But it is a big commitment. I know also the way I like to do the sport is a huge commitment, and if I do something, I want to do it properly. So I wouldn’t be able to beat him just turning up and dropping my bag in the room, getting my kit on and ‘let’s have a go’. I don’t think that’s how it works", he explains.

Max takes away the record

Verstappen took his tenth consecutive win in Formula 1 at Monza in Italy this season, a unique feat. Vettel had held the record since 2013 when he managed to win nine races in a row. However, the driver, who also enjoyed his greatest successes at Red Bull, said he was not too bothered by this.