Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 world champion, has often been compared to the late Ayrton Senna, a legendary figure in the sport. However, Emerson Fittipaldi, a two-time F1 champion himself, has recently moderated these comparisons, emphasizing the differences in driving eras and styles. Speaking ahead of the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix, Fittipaldi highlighted how Verstappen’s approach reflects the modern capabilities of F1 cars, contrasting with Senna’s more aggressive style.
Max Verstappen has been competing in Formula 1 since 2015, with over 200 race starts to his name. He has secured 65 wins, stood on the podium 117 times, and claimed 44 pole positions alongside his four world championships. In comparison, Ayrton Senna, who raced between 1984 and 1994, competed in 161 Grands Prix. Senna’s career included driving for several top teams such as Toleman, Lotus, McLaren, and Williams, earning three world titles, 41 victories, 80 podiums, and a remarkable 65 pole positions.
Distinct Driving Styles and Technological Advances Set Era Apart
According to Fittipaldi, the advances in car technology, including ground-effect aerodynamics, differentiate Verstappen’s era from Senna’s time in Formula 1. Fittipaldi observed that Verstappen’s talent lies in extracting maximum performance from the car while maintaining composure through corners:
“I think the talent Max has, which is impressive to watch when he drives, is that he manages to get everything out of the car that’s there, and he comes into the corners very balanced. If you pay close attention, Ayrton used to move around more, Ayrton had a much more aggressive style.”
—Emerson Fittipaldi, Two-time F1 Champion
He further elaborated on how Senna’s driving was shaped by the lower downforce and different handling of cars in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Senna’s style involved more aggressive sideways driving, while Verstappen manages to carry his car efficiently under current conditions:
“Ayrton had exceptional talent, but with a car that was very different. Back then, they didn’t have as much downforce. Nowadays it’s impressive what the car can do… In that time, you had to drive sideways. Sideways, it was another thing. But Max carries the car on his shoulders. We see that when the Red Bull isn’t good, he comes from behind and still manages it.”
—Emerson Fittipaldi, Two-time F1 Champion
Max Verstappen Highlights McLaren’s Strength in 2025 Season
While Verstappen remains a prominent figure in Formula 1, the 2025 season has seen Red Bull’s performance suffer, with McLaren emerging as a dominant force. McLaren leads both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships after 14 rounds, putting additional pressure on Verstappen and his team. Verstappen has expressed frustration with his car, the RB21, but also acknowledged the key strengths of McLaren’s MCL39.
During an interview with Racingnews365, Verstappen pointed out McLaren’s superior tire management, especially under changing conditions such as wet weather. He noted that tires, particularly intermediates, are more fragile and that McLaren has excelled at preserving them during this season:
“[The McLaren] is definitely better on its tyres, to keep the tyres alive a lot nicer. You can clearly see that in the wet on the intermediates, where if you have good tyre management, [tyre preservation] even comes out more on that tyre, because the tyre is more fragile.”
—Max Verstappen, Formula 1 Driver
“It overheats even faster, and they definitely have that very well under control. At the same time, I think their medium speed performance is incredible compared to, I would say, everyone else on the grid.”
—Max Verstappen, Formula 1 Driver
Upcoming Dutch Grand Prix a Crucial Challenge for Verstappen
The 2025 Formula 1 season resumes next week on August 29 with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, a race that holds special significance for Verstappen as his home event. Despite the strong McLaren dominance this year, with 11 victories in the first 14 races, Verstappen aims to deliver a powerful performance in front of his supporters. The pressure is high for the Dutchman to bridge the gap against McLaren’s pace and regain momentum.
This race will serve as a critical test for Verstappen and Red Bull’s ability to adapt and compete against a team that has proven superior so far this season. As Verstappen seeks to defend his title and accumulate more victories, the Dutch Grand Prix offers both opportunity and challenge in an intensely competitive environment fueled by contrasting team fortunes.
