Max Verstappen revealed in a recent conversation with motoring journalist Chris Harris that he has referenced the famous Ayrton Senna quote while explaining some of his daring overtakes to race stewards. This exchange came as the Formula 1 season reached its 14th round, with the Max Verstappen Senna overtake quote resonating within the paddock, especially after the recent Canadian Grand Prix incident.
Senna’s Quote and Its Impact on Contemporary F1 Drivers
The quote,
“If you see a gap, and you don’t go for it, you’re no longer a racing driver,”
is well-known among Formula 1 competitors and was notably brought up following Lando Norris’ failed overtaking attempt on teammate Oscar Piastri at the Canadian Grand Prix. Although Norris’ move ended in a crash, it drew admiration from fans for his willingness to seize an opportunity.
Verstappen’s Bold Moves Demonstrated at Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix
Max Verstappen is recognized for making decisive, courageous overtakes throughout the season. His maneuver at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, where he overtook Oscar Piastri on the Tamburello chicane, embodied a high-stakes, win-or-lose style of driving. This move was pivotal in securing a race victory that weekend, highlighting Verstappen’s skill in pressure situations.
Early Training and Influence of Jos Verstappen on Max’s Racing Style
Discussing how he honed these aggressive driving skills with Chris Harris, Verstappen attributed much of his development to his early karting experiences with his father, Jos Verstappen. He explained how their summer holidays often involved mini two-lap races where they practiced starts, overtaking, and defending positions.
“I think it’s a combination of things. Naturally, how I grew up, you know, the things that I practiced from when I was a kid with my dad and my friends,”
Verstappen said. He described starting from different grid positions during these practice races and working hard to gain places.
His father would take a heavier, faster kart engine and engage in competitive races, pushing Max to improve his racecraft with attacking and defending moves. Verstappen laughed recalling,
“So, you do your start, and then you try to fight your way to the front, or sometimes of course you get shuffled back. And we did this so many times, even on our summer holidays. This was our summer holiday practice [laughs].”
—Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Using Senna’s Words to Justify Racing Decisions
Chris Harris then referred to Senna’s well-known quote about taking every racing opportunity and suggested that such an argument could also work in the stewards’ office. Verstappen confirmed with a chuckle that he had employed Senna’s words as part of his defense at least once.
“Sometimes you can still use that argument into the stewards’ office as well,”
Harris remarked, to which Verstappen replied with laughter,
“Of course.”
—Chris Harris, Motoring Journalist
The Role of Risk and Determination in Verstappen’s Driving Philosophy
Max Verstappen’s admission underscores a mindset shared by many top drivers, where calculated risk-taking defines their approach on track. By invoking Ayrton Senna’s legendary phrase, Verstappen aligns himself with a legacy of fearless racing. As the F1 season progresses, this philosophy is likely to continue shaping his aggressive tactics during high-stakes moments.
