Helmut Marko believes that Max Verstappen has the same 'win at all costs' mind-set as legends Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.

Though the achievements of both the Brazilian and the German are widely recognised, many believe that it was Senna who took the sport into dangerous new territory with his 'win at all costs' mentality, while Schumacher took it a step further and that consequently the legacies of both are somewhat tarnished.

Though Verstappen appeared to have calmed down a little since his first couple of controversial seasons in the sport, last year there were worrying signs that the old 'Mad Max' was back.

"It is impossible to compare them because they're from different periods," Marko tells Autorevue. "But what they all have is complete focus... you can also call it ruthlessness.

"There is nothing that matters more than, 'I want to win and I will do everything for it'.

The Red Bull motor sport consultant cites Verstappen's - ultimately unsuccessful - qualifying lap in Saudi Arabia as a good example of the Dutchman's determination.

"He was sensationally fast... you could see that he was pushing the car so hard, it was visible. He drove almost flawlessly.

"In the races, Hamilton knows that he can't leave the smallest gap open for Verstappen," adds the Austrian. "He's already poking his nose in when the other guy can't even see him in the rear-view mirror.

"This incredible willpower with the necessary talent makes all the difference."

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1. Posted by Stitch431, 04/02/2022 8:32

"Max was not the one starting to go mad this season. I agree with Kenji that it was Lewis in Silverstone. Max will always be ready until he says it was his last season. With Hamilton, I'm not so sure. Right now I expect the following scenario: Lewis is not in the car during the first test in Barcelona and is still silent. If it turns out that the new Mercedes will not be good enough, he will not show up again. If he sees that they can fight in front again, he will be in the car during the second test. That is my personal hunch in this case."

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2. Posted by kenji, 04/02/2022 0:21

"sorry chaps [ Silverstone ]....."

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3. Posted by kenji, 04/02/2022 0:20

"Whilst I neither follow or support Red Bull I must grudgingly admit that Marko has a point. Put both Verstappen and Hamilton in identical cars, and IMO, Verstappen will come out in front every time. Hamilton is fine when he uses the car to crack a getaway but put him under supreme pressure and he bottles it [ Silverstone Conversely, more pressure on Verstappen [ Zandvoort / Abu Dhabi ] results in better outcomes for him. Observations during the season would bear this out. The other factor which I believe works in Verstappens favour is his seemingly detached involvement with matters that have zip to do with F1. It's 100% focus and no woke BS. I like that."

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4. Posted by Superbird70, 03/02/2022 20:25

"Red Bull, Gives you hallucinations!"

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5. Posted by Burton, 03/02/2022 18:14

"Max's wheel-to-wheel conduct is a complete farce. It's like you're playing five-a-side football with friends and some **** keeps handling the ball every single time it comes from the opposition instead of actually trying to play the bloody game.

As for Marko's comment, more elementary school level stuff. The less said the better."

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6. Posted by Malemoi, 03/02/2022 16:32

"Marko should wash his mouth with soap and water mentioning Senna and Max in the same breath"

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7. Posted by f1khun, 03/02/2022 15:37

"Helmut is right, and so is the Editor.

Max is ruthless,
And so is Hamilton.
Senna was Pure.
Michael was - at times - over the line.

All 4 are incredible drivers, with different characters, all with different styles, different approaches and different mindsets.

They are all WDC in their own right, if you ask me. I enjoy(ed) all 4 when they are (were) displaying their superior skill compared to the rest of the field. They are different, and they all are champions."

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8. Posted by Spindoctor, 03/02/2022 14:47

"More grist to the D2S mill. Who's he trying to convince, Verstappen, Himself, Hamilton or us?"

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Verstappen has Senna, Schumacher mind-set, says Marko

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