Italian Formula 1 journalist Leo Turrini is known for his sharp opinions, which he often manages to package in a kind of enchanting guise. Turrini found Max Verstappen’s race in Brazil enchanting, and thought the comparisons with Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher were more than justified. The Italian has often written that there is no limit to Verstappen, and compares him to Lando Norris in the title battle.
It had been a while since journalists were still talking about Verstappen’s performance long after a race weekend. He had to wait 133 days for his victory in Brazil, where he managed to win the rain race from P17 in a phenomenal way. It is therefore not surprising that Verstappen’s victory, more than a week after the race in São Paulo, is still the topic of conversation. The Dutchman may have dealt the final blow to title rival Norris and with a 62-point lead he could already secure his fourth consecutive title in Las Vegas.
“Ferrari can still do it, and Max drove like Senna and Schumi,” the blog headlines, Deep Red, from Turrini. “I wrote this ahead of any penalties from the stewards after the race,” the Italian winks. ‘In my opinion Ferrari can still do it. I doubt Norris. Let me say it straight away, even if it seems logical: on Senna’s track, Verstappen won as Senna himself would have done,” the journalist praises. ‘Or like Schumi, if you prefer to think of Ferrari’s Saint Michael.’ Many remembered Senna’s opening lap at Donington Park in 1993 – the Lap of the Gods – and found that it showed many similarities with Verstappen’s opening phase.
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Verstappen rode a world race in Brazil.
Indelible impression
“It is this kind of performance (overtaking everyone from the penultimate starting position, in a downpour, with accidents, safety cars and red flags) that makes the difference between a champion and a driver, between Max and Norris,” Turrini continues. . ‘It is precisely these moments that leave an indelible impression in the collective memory. The Dutchman was about to be devoured by the black hole of inevitable defeat, after humiliating qualifying and against a McLaren that had been put forward as favourite.’ The weekend indeed did not go smoothly for Verstappen.
On Friday everyone doubted the pace of the RB20, when he qualified fourth for the sprint race. However, during the race on Saturday, Verstappen proved that he could compete competitively. Until Sunday morning, it was not the car that slowed him down, but the decisions of the FIA, which did not benefit Red Bull. “And yet he continued to believe in it,” Turrini writes. ‘Maybe he was the only one who did that, who knows. Perhaps fate helped him, in the midst of crazy weather conditions. But the ancient Romans already said it: luck belongs to the brave.’
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Compliments from Italy for Verstappen.
‘Then Verstappen will come up with a masterpiece’
Verstappen cut through the field like a hot knife through butter. In the rainy conditions he felt like a fish in water and found traction where others struggled. “Super Max had not won a race since the summer, Red Bull was shocked by violent internal shocks, and his teammate Pérez looks like he is driving a three-wheeler,” says the Italian. ‘Then Verstappen comes up with a masterpiece like the one at Interlagos, and then you understand where true greatness can be found, with all due respect to Norris. Amen,” he continues. “Now Ferrari,” Turrini addresses his beloved team.
‘No triplet. No third consecutive win. Under the chaotic conditions, the SF24 was not competitive enough. Sainz contributed negatively by causing avoidable crashes. But Leclerc was able to limit the damage. With a moment now to catch her breath, Ferrari must gather its thoughts and make one final technological effort. However, nothing is impossible in Formula 1, which has suddenly regained its unpredictability. Nothing is set in stone, so let’s give it a try. PS: instead of worrying about the swearing of the drivers, the FIA should ask themselves why the Interlagos asphalt was approved,” Turrini concludes.
Verstappen’s Enchanting Performance: A Blend of Outrage and Admiration
Ah, Leo Turrini, the maestro of metaphorical finesse! Just when we thought the F1 circus would be packing its bags and heading home, here he is, waving the flag for Max Verstappen like a fan who just found out their favorite band is back together. Comparisons to the greats like Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher? Bold move, my friend. But let’s dive into this enchanting performance in Brazil and explore if Verstappen really does belong in the same league as those titans, or if that’s just wishful thinking at its finest.
The long wait is finally over: 133 days of pent-up excitement, and Max Verstappen decided to explode it all over an unsuspecting Sao Paulo, winning from P17 in what can only be described as a classic rain-soaked slaughter. Like a phoenix rising from the puddles, Verstappen shimmied and danced his way to victory, leaving everyone—including his rivals—drenched in his wake. Can you believe it? A whopping 62-point lead! He might as well be weaving a tapestry of domination on the canvas of F1.
Comparisons and Contradictions
Now, let’s address the pink elephant in the room: Turrini’s declarations! He spins a tale so compelling it could outshine a thousand soap operas. Saying “Ferrari can still do it” is like announcing that your cousin’s band is on the brink of a Grammy. We all know it’s not happening! But throw in a bit of nostalgia, and suddenly we’re reminiscing about Senna’s legendary laps. Verstappen driving like Senna? That’s like comparing a microwave meal to a Michelin-starred feast. Sure, they both fill you up, but one is a bit more tragic than the other!
The Nature of Champions
Verstappen’s newfound prowess isn’t just a coincidence; it’s the embodiment of sheer audacity! Turrini beautifully articulates that there’s a distinct difference between real champions and mere mortals. It’s moments like Verstappen’s overtaking spree, cutting through competitors “like a hot knife through butter,” that solidify his legacy. Meanwhile, Lando Norris, bless his soul, is still playing catch-up like a dog chasing its tail. With Verstappen’s track record, it’s less a race and more of a ‘how far ahead can I get before they realize I’ve left.’
Challenges and Chaos
But hold the phone! It wasn’t all rainbows and butterflies for Verstappen; there was a slip and a slide worthy of comedy. Turrini mentions the “black hole of inevitable defeat,” as if we’re watching a formulaic Hollywood movie where the hero faces insurmountable odds. But let’s give credit where it’s due—the man fought back, brain against machine, with more grit than a hard-hat construction worker!
The Ferrari Dilemma
As for Ferrari, oh dear! Turrini delivers the hard truth: “No triplet. No third consecutive win.” It’s like watching your favorite team fumble with the final seconds on the clock. Sainz is driving like he’s powered by a toddler’s tricycle while Leclerc valiantly attempts to steer the ship straight. Turrini’s plea for Ferrari to reflect and innovate hits hard. But are they listening? Or are they too busy worrying about the color of their race suits?
A Final Thought
In the end, what do we take from this wild ride? Verstappen’s victory is less of a single event and more of a saga, a spectacle that leaves its mark, just like the old Romans said: “Luck belongs to the brave.” With every twist of fate and a penchant for drama, F1 continues to electrify us. So, let’s buckle up and enjoy this rollercoaster, because with Verstappen in the driver’s seat, there’s truly never a dull moment!
And with that, here’s hoping for a little extra magic from the FIA next race—preferably in the form of a better asphalt! After all, who needs fruity features like swearing when the road itself is more questionable than a contestant on a reality show?
Italian Formula 1 journalist Leo Turrini, renowned for his incisive opinions enveloped in an engaging narrative style, was captivated by Max Verstappen’s extraordinary race performance in Brazil. Turrini believes the comparisons drawn between Verstappen and legendary drivers Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher are not only warranted but indeed essential. His writings often echo an unwavering sentiment: Verstappen’s potential knows no bounds, a sentiment he juxtaposes with Lando Norris’s ongoing rivalry in the title fight.
It had been some time since Verstappen’s performance echoed throughout the paddock long after a race weekend concluded. Following a staggering 133-day drought, he celebrated his victory in Brazil—an extraordinary triumph achieved from P17 amidst a downpour. Given this backdrop, it’s no surprise that the Dutchman’s victory, which took place over a week ago in São Paulo, continues to dominate discussions among fans and pundits alike. With a commanding 62-point lead over title rival Norris, Verstappen stands poised to potentially secure his fourth consecutive championship in the forthcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix.
“Ferrari can still do it, and Max drove like Senna and Schumi,” the headline declared on Turrini’s blog, Deep Red, highlighting the immense praise directed toward Verstappen. “I wrote this ahead of any penalties from the stewards after the race,” the witty Italian winked, underscoring his confidence in Ferrari’s capabilities. ‘In my estimation, Ferrari can still emerge victorious, though I hold doubts about Norris. Let’s be frank: on Senna’s legendary track, Verstappen delivered a performance reminiscent of Senna himself,” he articulated. ‘Or like Schumi, for those who prefer to think of Ferrari’s Saint Michael.’ Many spectators were reminded of Senna’s iconic opening lap at Donington Park in 1993—dubbed the Lap of the Gods—which bore striking similarities to Verstappen’s aggressive opening phase.
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Verstappen rode a world race in Brazil.
Indelible impression
“It is this kind of performance (overtaking everyone from the penultimate starting position, in a downpour, with accidents, safety cars, and red flags) that makes the difference between a champion and a driver, between Max and Norris,” Turrini elaborated. ‘It is precisely such moments that create an indelible memory within the collective consciousness. The Dutchman was on the brink of being swallowed by the black hole of inevitable defeat, especially following a dismal qualifying and facing off against what was widely perceived to be a favored McLaren.’ The weekend indeed did not unfold smoothly for Verstappen, laden with challenges.
On Friday, skepticism engulfed the performance of the RB20, which left Verstappen qualifying fourth for the sprint race. However, during Saturday’s race, he astounded everyone with a competitive display. Until Sunday morning, it was not his car that hindered him but rather the contentious decisions made by the FIA, which appeared to work against Red Bull. “And yet he continued to believe in it,” Turrini remarked. ‘Perhaps he was the sole believer, who knows? Maybe fate was in his favor amidst the turbulent weather. As the ancient Romans noted, luck indeed favors the bold.’
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Compliments from Italy for Verstappen.
‘Then Verstappen will come up with a masterpiece’
Verstappen sliced through the competition with remarkable ease, navigating the treacherous wet conditions with finesse, finding grip where others faltered. “Super Max had not basked in victory since the summer, and Red Bull was reeling from significant internal issues; his teammate Pérez seemed to struggle excessively,” notes the Italian commentator. ‘Then Verstappen conjures up a masterpiece at Interlagos, and it becomes evident where true greatness resides, with all due respect to Norris. Amen,” he added. “Now Ferrari,” Turrini called out in passionate appeal toward his beloved team.
Under these chaotic circumstances, a third consecutive win eluded Ferrari, as their SF24 proved insufficiently competitive. Sainz negatively impacted the team’s performance with avoidable errors, while Leclerc managed to mitigate the damage. With a brief respite now at hand, Ferrari must regroup and make one last technological push. In Formula 1, uncertainty reigns supreme, and nothing is beyond the realms of possibility. Hence, let’s take on the challenge. PS: instead of fixating on driver outbursts, the FIA should reflect on why the Interlagos asphalt was ever approved,” Turrini concluded.
Ather the unpredictable rain that turned the race into a gripping spectacle. Despite the early setbacks, Verstappen’s strategic mind and unparalleled driving skills shone through. He navigated the treacherous wet conditions with finesse, displaying a level of control that echoes the legendary abilities of the sport’s greats.
As Turrini pointed out, the nuances that differentiate a champion from just another racer are often illuminated in moments of crisis. Verstappen’s ability to adapt and thrive under pressure elevated his performance in Brazil from merely impressive to legendary. His maneuvers, particularly during the chaotic first laps where visibility was nearly nil due to torrential rain, showed not only confidence but a profound understanding of racing dynamics that few possess.
The race was not just a showcase of Verstappen’s driving prowess, but also a reminder of the relentless nature of Formula 1. Challenges were aplenty, from tricky weather conditions to intense rivalries, with Norris and Ferrari lurking in the background. However, Verstappen’s sheer determination and skill allowed him to not only overcome these challenges but to turn them into triumphs, weaving his way through the pack with seemingly effortless grace.
With each overtaking maneuver, he reminded observers why he is firmly planted among the elite drivers in F1 history. Turrini’s comparison to the likes of Senna and Schumacher does not simply stem from nostalgia but is instead a recognition of Verstappen’s ability to create unforgettable moments that will be replayed in racing lore for years to come.
As the Formula 1 community sets its sights on the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Verstappen to see if he can maintain his momentum and further solidify his legacy as one of the sport’s greats. With a historic victory under his belt and a significant lead in the championship race, the Dutchman has the stage set for another electrifying performance.
Verstappen’s resounding victory in Brazil was more than a win; it was a statement. He has positioned himself not just as a participant in the championship but as a potential icon of the sport, capable of greatness on par with the legends who have come before him. The road ahead is long, but for Verstappen and his supporters, hope rides high that the best is yet to come.