No Driver Can Survive with Max Verstappen as a Teammate

In the world of Formula 1, rivalries define legacies. But when it comes to Max Verstappen, there is one fact that every fan, analyst, and driver seems to agree on: no teammate can survive alongside him.

Verstappen, the Dutch phenomenon who has dominated the Formula 1 grid for years, has systematically crushed every teammate paired with him. From Pierre Gasly to Alexander Albon, from Sergio Pérez to even Daniel Ricciardo — all have eventually fallen short against the relentless pace of Verstappen.

In this blog, we’ll explore why Verstappen is considered unbeatable within his own team, how this impacts rising stars like Andrea Kimi Antonelli, and what it means for Formula 1’s future.

Verstappen vs His Teammates: A Brutal Track Record

Pierre Gasly and Alexander Albon

When Pierre Gasly was promoted to Red Bull Racing in 2019, hopes were high. However, Verstappen’s pace quickly overshadowed him. Gasly’s performances were deemed below expectations, and he was demoted mid-season back to Toro Rosso.

Alexander Albon soon replaced Gasly, but the story repeated itself. Despite moments of promise, Albon could not match Verstappen’s consistency. Today, Albon thrives at Williams, but his stint alongside Verstappen highlighted just how merciless the Dutchman can be.

Max Verstappen battling wheel-to-wheel with Pierre Gasly

Sergio Pérez

Many expected Sergio Pérez, the experienced Mexican driver, to hold his ground. While Pérez has scored race wins and podiums, his results pale in comparison to Verstappen. For example, in the 2021 season, Verstappen earned 10 wins and 18 podiums, while Pérez only managed 1 win and 5 podiums.

This gulf in performance has continued, cementing Verstappen as the undisputed team leader.

Sergio Pérez alongside Verstappen during Red Bull celebrations

Daniel Ricciardo and Others

Of all Verstappen’s teammates, Daniel Ricciardo came closest to holding his own. During their time together at Red Bull, Ricciardo managed some victories. Yet ultimately, Verstappen emerged as the team’s focal point.

Other drivers like Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson have not faced him directly within Red Bull, but comparisons often show Verstappen’s dominance casts a shadow across the Red Bull family.

Verstappen and Ricciardo celebrating on the podium

“No One Can Survive Beside Verstappen”

Insight from James Hinchcliffe

Former IndyCar driver and F1 TV analyst James Hinchcliffe summarized the situation bluntly: “No driver can survive with Max Verstappen as a teammate.”

Hinchcliffe explained that Verstappen consistently defeats every teammate with equal machinery. He even warned that if Verstappen joined Mercedes, it could crush the career of young talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli before it had a chance to grow.

Max Verstappen in action at Spa-Francorcham

Warnings from Jenson Button and Jacques Villeneuve

• Jenson Button, the 2009 World Champion, admitted he would love to see Verstappen paired with George Russell at Mercedes. However, he cautioned it might leave no room for Antonelli.

• Jacques Villeneuve, another F1 World Champion, went further, saying Verstappen would “destroy” Antonelli if they ever became teammates.

These opinions highlight how unique Verstappen’s dominance truly is.

Why Verstappen Crushes Every Teammate

1. Exceptional Talent

Verstappen’s raw speed, adaptability, and racecraft are second to none. In 2023, he won 19 out of 22 races — a record-breaking season.

2. Car Development Built Around Him

Red Bull Racing has openly admitted that its cars are often developed with Verstappen’s driving style in mind. Renowned designer Adrian Newey is known for creating the fastest — not necessarily the easiest — cars to drive. Verstappen thrives in this environment, but many teammates struggle.

3. Psychological Pressure

Sharing a garage with Verstappen comes with immense psychological weight. Each weekend, teammates are compared directly to one of the fastest drivers in history. This constant pressure often leads to mistakes, inconsistency, and ultimately, defeat.

Verstappen walking confidently through the Red Bull garage

What About Andrea Kimi Antonelli?

A Rising Star at Mercedes

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, born in 2006, is one of Mercedes’ brightest young prospects. Currently competing in junior series, Antonelli has already built a reputation as a future F1 star.

The Verstappen Threat

Rumors that Verstappen could one day switch to Mercedes sparked concern among analysts. Hinchcliffe suggested that placing Antonelli next to Verstappen could be career-ending. Not because Antonelli lacks talent — but because no one, regardless of skill, has managed to stand tall against Verstappen.

Mercedes’ Perspective

Team boss Toto Wolff has denied any immediate plans to pair Verstappen with Antonelli, insisting the young Italian will be nurtured carefully. George Russell, meanwhile, has said he would welcome the challenge of sharing a team with Verstappen.

Could the Future Change?

Some analysts speculate that upcoming regulation changes in Formula 1 could alter the balance. If cars are designed with a broader setup window, teammates might finally stand a chance to compete equally.

Until then, Verstappen’s reign continues, and the narrative remains the same: no teammate has survived unscathed.

Conclusion

Max Verstappen’s dominance within Red Bull — and potentially any team he joins — is unprecedented. He has beaten every teammate, reshaped careers, and defined what it means to be the ultimate team leader in Formula 1.

For drivers like Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the prospect of sharing a garage with Verstappen is daunting. And for fans, the legend of Verstappen only grows stronger with every season.

No matter how the regulations evolve, or who lines up beside him, Verstappen’s legacy as the unbeatable teammate seems secure.

See more:

Max Verstappen: An 'Unrivaled' Driver or a Product of Red Bull?

Unfazed by Verstappen: Carlos Sainz Shares Unique Perspective on Ex-Te