'Verstappen can break all records set by Schumacher and Hamilton'
F1 News
- Ludo van Denderen
It was a rare mistake by Max Verstappen in his successful 2023 season: the three-time world champion went a little too far over the track limits line in Q3 at the US Grand Prix, lost his fastest time and eventually finished sixth. During the main race on Sunday, Verstappen must set a record if he is to emerge victorious. Indeed, never before has anyone who did not start from the front row won a Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas.
According to Felipe Massa, Verstappen is someone who can break all records in Formula 1 for himself. Not referring to the events at COTA, the Brazilian said of the Dutchman: "He can become the number one in the history of F1 and break all the records set by Schumacher, Hamilton and everyone else," Massa said in conversation with Infobae.
'Verstappen an incredible talent'
The Brazilian - who is currently in a legal battle with the FIA over the 2008 world title - continued, "He is an incredible talent. He shows it in all the races. He is proving that he is a driver who can break all records. Obviously, he needs the car to be competitive, as he is doing now. He is a driver comparable to Senna, to Fangio, to Schumacher, to Hamilton or to anyone at that level," Massa remained complimentary.
At the same time, the Brazilian - who mainly created a furore at Ferrari - would like to see F1 become more exciting. While Massa admires Verstappen, he hopes other drivers can challenge the Dutchman soon. Although Massa certainly does not want to say that Formula 1 is in bad shape at the moment, usually the same driver dominates.
"Formula 1 is very strong at the moment; with many fans, with so many countries interested in F1. But there is still a need for more competition. Drivers fighting for the championship until the last race; that is what F1 stands for," Massa concluded.