Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
Pedro de la Rosa: Verstappen can never be ruled out
Red Bull may not currently have the strongest package on the grid, but Pedro de la Rosa believes Max Verstappen remains one of Formula 1’s biggest threats. The former F1 driver says the Dutchman can never be counted out, regardless of his car's performance.
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Max Verstappen's title defence has been made more difficult by Red Bull's inconsistent form this season, with the team no longer enjoying the clear advantage it had in previous years.
Despite those challenges, Aston Martin ambassador and former Formula 1 driver Pedro de la Rosa believes Verstappen remains a driver capable of changing the outcome of any race.
"The only thing as a rival, and someone that I know Max quite well, is that he's always a competitor to consider," De la Rosa said, as quoted by GPBlog.com.
According to the Spaniard, Verstappen’s talent means he can never be discounted, even when Red Bull is not at its best.
"Even if his car is not good enough, today could be wet, and then we're talking about how great Max Verstappen and Red Bull are. He's definitely someone that you can never take out of the equation until the flag drops," he said.
De la Rosa also expects Red Bull to return to the front at certain circuits as the competitive order continues to fluctuate throughout the season.
Looking further ahead, he admitted he does not know what Verstappen's future plans are but hopes the four-time world champion remains in Formula 1.
"Formula 1 needs to keep the best drivers in the world and definitely Max is one of the best and possibly one of the best ever. It will be a major loss for everyone having Max leave," De la Rosa added.
