What does it mean to be a winner? There is no valid definition, it is a sum of factors, a rebellious addition to which mathematics is not always able to provide certain results. There are parameters, obviously, and too many clichés, but there cannot be a single answer, with all due respect to those who rack their brains to draw up rankings and comment at random.
And what does it mean to be Max Verstappen? The Dutch champion perhaps represents a unique case among drivers. Thrown into the lions' cage not yet of age, guilty of too much exuberance and enormous arrogance at the time of his debut, he was able to transform multiple errors into surgical perfection, arrogance into measured coldness, hesitations into noble perfection. A commendable result, but at what cost?
A childhood never lived, an innocence betrayed, an anger fomented. From those who were supposed to represent the guide, from those who were supposed to be a lighthouse in the night and instead always pushed Max back into the darkness. A darkness from which he managed to emerge alone, thanks to his strength, which was immediately forced to become titanic. A child who carried the weight of a gigantic, out-of-measure and out-of-time world on his shoulders. But he adapted to this world, to the point of shaping it, subjugating it, so that it could never hurt him again.
![Max Verstappen](https://www.formulacritica.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Max-4-jpg.webp)
It is not simply a shell, but a bark. Rough skin against the external attacks perpetrated by the competition, by the need to still be the best despite everything. Phenomenal talent allowed him to establish himself; an initial indulgence allowed him the necessary time to avoid being condemned due to certain errors, attributable to inexperience and enthusiasm. A fortune that unfortunately, in the cannibalistic universe of F1, has not been granted to many.
A magnanimity that Verstappen was able to repay, transforming himself into excellence, rightfully placing himself among the greats. At least in terms of performance. Red Bull supported him in the best possible way, but it's not just about that. He has within himself a sublime ability, the unique ability to extract the best from the medium, a gift that unites him with the best and rightfully places him in the Olympus. Yet something doesn't add up. I noticed it yesterday, when it would have been simple to show character without being arrogant.
Instead he played dirty on the track, foolishly and uselessly, in an era in which duels are under the lens of an inflexible Big Brother and it would be naive to think of getting away with it. But he did worse in the cold, after the race, using words as heavy as a boulder, claiming an unacceptable reason, without a hint of apology after having irreparably damaged Norris' race.
Yes, the (Or) Lando furioso, which was talked about in the comments, instead appeared very calm and tolerant, willing to dialogue and available for forgiveness, if the indisputable guilt was admitted. And what does Max do instead? He dusts off the bully look, attacks and accuses instead of covering his head with ashes. An indigestible attitude, unworthy of a driver of his caliber.
Someone may argue that all this is part of the DNA of winners, they may dust off the rust between Senna and Prost. But the comparison doesn't hold up. In that case we are talking about rustic duels, practically with white weapons, almost legitimate maneuvers in a Formula One that is now part of the past. The clash was ideology, a contrast of ways and ideals, a war between men.
Max, on the other hand, shows ferocity a priori, even when it is not necessary. The confrontation becomes a threat, the opponent is someone to be destroyed using any means, legal or illegal. An insult to himself, who has all the cards to play on equal terms, and aces up his sleeve that many don't possess.
In the end Verstappen lands on his feet, sportingly speaking, with a haul of ten points, despite the damage from contact and the second penalty. But on the human side he remedies an irrevocable disqualification: it will be impossible to call him champion again. At least until he understands the weight of his actions and the importance of certain words.
Crediti foto: Oracle Red Bull Racing