With ridiculously tuned RB21 and support from father Jos, Max Verstappen does the impossible in the lion’s den: “This is absolutely not possible”
In a race that was full of tension and sensation, Max Verstappen has again proven why he is considered one of the greatest talents in Formula 1. During the recent Grand Prix in the iconic circuit of Silverstone, often described as “the hollow of the lion” because of the British dominance and the intense support for drivers, Hamilton. With an RB21 that, according to critics, was “ridiculously tuned”, and with the unconditional support of his father Jos Verstappen, the Dutchman delivered a race that will last for a long time in the memories of fans.
The race started under challenging circumstances. The weather in Silverstone was, as so often, unpredictable, with threatening rain clouds that forced the teams to extinguish strategic choices before the lights. Red Bull had prepared the RB21 with an adjustment that, according to insiders, bordered on the reckless. The car was optimized for pure speed on the long straight pieces and the fast turns of Silverstone, but this was at the expense of stability in the slower sections. Some analysts called it a gamble, a setup that only handed a driver with the exceptional talent from Verstappen. And he didn’t disappoint.
From the start it was clear that Verstappen was going to do everything to leave his mark on the race. Although he did not start from pole position, he already managed to pass a few competitors in the first rounds with daring catch-up maneuvers. His driving behavior was aggressive but controlled, a combination that distinguishes him from many of his rivals. The RB21, although not perfectly balanced, seemed to be an extension of his will in his hands. Even when he struggled in the first Stint with a grip in the slower turns, he remained calm and focused, a characteristic that he, according to many, inherited from his father Jos.
Jos Verstappen, himself a former Formula 1 driver, played a crucial role in the success of his son this weekend. In the run -up to the race, Jos was emphatically present in the Paddock, where he acted not only as a mentor but also as a motivator. Max has always given his experience and direct approach an extra low confidence, and this was no different in Silverstone. After the race, Jos stated: “This was one of Max’s best races. The car was extreme, but he showed what he can do. This is absolutely not possible, they said, but he does it anyway.” These words perfectly summarize the incredible achievement.
The race itself was a roller coaster of emotions. Verstappen not only had to fight against the competition, but also against the elements and the immense pressure of a home crowd that was completely behind Hamilton. When the rain started to fall halfway through the race, it seemed that Mercedes would have an advantage with their more balanced adjustment. But Verstappen and his team perfectly anticipated changing circumstances. An early pit stop for intermediates turned out to be the golden move, making it won valuable seconds on his rivals. His ability to drive the car on the limit, even on a wet track, was a master class in driving skills.
In the final phase of the race, when the track started to dry up again, it became a direct duel between Verstappen and Hamilton. The British legend threw everything into the fight, but Verstappen remained unperturbed. With a lead of just a few seconds, he stopped even when Hamilton got closer in the last laps. The discharge after the finish was huge. Verstappen hit the steering wheel of joy, while the Red Bull garage erupted in a festive mood. The disbelief was great: how could a car that were so extremely adjusted, in the hands of Verstappen, tame a circuit like Silverstone?
Afterwards, Verstappen himself was sober but proud. “It wasn’t an easy race,” he said. “The car was sometimes difficult, but we got the most out of it. This is a special victory.” His words reflect the mentality that makes him so successful: always push, always believe, even when others think it is impossible.
This victory in Silverstone is not only a triumph for Verstappen, but also a statement. It proves that, together with his team and the support of his father, he is able to push boundaries that others don’t even dare to approach. The Formula 1 world is already looking forward to the next race, because if one thing is clear, then it is that Max Verstappen always causes surprises.
