Former F1 Team Principal doubts Verstappen can be matched in same team

Former AlphaTauri Team Principal Franz Tost is doubtful that MaxVerstappen can be matched in the same team. Verstappen managed tooutscore teammate Sergio Perez by over twice as many points in 2023on his way to a third World Championship in a row. He took 19victories while Perez only managed two, while the Dutchman alsotook a further 12 pole positions at the wheel of the RB19. Beforejoining Red Bull, Verstappen was at sister team Toro Rosso for aseason and a half under the wing of Tost. When asked if he thinksany driver could challenge Verstappen in the same car, the formerTeam Principal had his doubts. “If Max continues to have a goodcar, he will win many more races and titles,” Tost told F1 Insider. “He’s still not at his limit and will get even better. No driverwho is or will be his teammate will ever progress beyond the roleof number two driver.” Tost believes Verstappen managed to exhibitnatural talent the first time he got into the car, which helped himget up to speed while still a teenager. "Not a champion, but anatural talent. It's about the skills of a pilot and hisrelationship to speed. With Michael, you never had the feeling thathe was overwhelmed even on his first lap in a Formula 1 car. "Itwas the same with his brother Ralf and with Max Verstappen. When hedrove a Formula 1 car for the first time in Suzuka at the age of17, he got along immediately, despite the much higher speed. Healso had no problems with braking, despite the enormous centrifugalforces of up to 6g."