The praise for Max Verstappen continues to pour in, this time from Aston Martin’s Mike Krack, who has lauded the Dutch driver as Formula 1’s standout talent following his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship in 2024. Amid swirling rumors of a potential £1 billion bid from Aston Martin to poach Verstappen from Red Bull, Krack’s admiration only adds fuel to the speculation.
Verstappen’s 2024 season: A masterclass in adversity
Despite not having the most dominant car on the grid, Verstappen delivered what Krack described as his greatest championship performance yet. While Red Bull’s RB20 started the season strong, balance issues plagued the car, causing the team to relinquish the Constructors’ Championship to McLaren. Yet Verstappen’s brilliance rose above these challenges, clinching the title with two races to spare.
“This year’s [title] was probably the best we have seen from him,” Krack told RacingNews365. “You see the team-mate [Sergio Perez] was really struggling [in a] car that at times was not second or third best, in my opinion. And you saw that excellence come out. You see the true champion when it gets really difficult.”
Brazil GP: A race for the ages
Krack singled out Verstappen’s performance at the Brazilian Grand Prix as a defining moment of the season. Starting 17th on a wet grid, Verstappen stormed through the field, gaining 10 places in the opening laps and eventually claiming victory with a 30-second gap over the nearest challenger.
“Brazil was a masterpiece,” Krack said. “There was basically not much overtaking, even in the wet, but he just went through the field and left them all behind. It’s nice to see that there is a very high level of driving in Formula 1, but then there is something extra with some champions, and Verstappen has that.”
Transfer speculation: Aston Martin and Verstappen
The admiration from Krack comes amid rumors that Aston Martin is positioning itself to make an unprecedented offer for Verstappen’s services. While Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, reports have linked him to potential moves to both Aston Martin and Mercedes due to internal turbulence at Red Bull.
Aston Martin has denied claims that it is plotting a £1 billion bid for Verstappen, but Krack’s praise will undoubtedly fuel speculation. His comments underscore the widespread recognition of Verstappen’s dominance and the potential appeal of landing the sport’s most electrifying driver.
A champion for the ages
Verstappen’s 2024 season solidified his status as an all-time great. From overcoming car struggles to delivering stunning comebacks, his ability to thrive under pressure has set him apart. Krack’s glowing assessment highlights the unique qualities that make Verstappen not just a four-time World Champion but also a driver who defines the highest echelon of Formula 1.
For now, Verstappen remains with Red Bull, but with Aston Martin’s ambitions growing and their admiration for Verstappen evident, the transfer rumors may only intensify in the seasons to come.