Max Verstappen according to Pierre Waché (Red Bull Racing): “Only he can do that”

Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing are back on top: two consecutive Grand Prix victories from pole position – at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia and the Singapore Grand Prix – plus a sprint victory from pole for the formidable Dutchman.

Red Bull Racing’s technical director, Pierre Waché, sees first-hand what the four-time Formula 1 world champion is capable of. Speaking to our colleagues at racingnews365, the Frenchman explains what sets Verstappen apart from his rivals.

Max Verstappen und Pierre Waché

Foto: Red Bull Content Pool

Waché explains: “I reckon the main advantage Max Verstappen brings to the table is this incredible feel he develops for his car. I won’t call him an engineer, because he isn’t one, but he gives his team something that no other driver I’ve seen can provide – in terms of feedback and pinpointing exactly what’s needed to make his car faster.”

“It’s incredible how well he can sense his racing car, what’s missing when he’s driving it, and then translate all of that into a language we can understand.”

Topic of the week

Topic of the week: MotoGP’s new schedule proved highly controversial

In 2027, MotoGP will also enter the 850cc era with a new schedule. It was not so much the changes themselves as the way the decisions were reached that caused a stir. A prime example of: ‘Talking helps’.

Thomas Kuttruf

Read More

TV Program

Live

Austin: 1. Freies Training

FIA Formula One World Championship

23.10.2026 - 19:25

“After the first lap of practice, he already knows exactly where the car stands and what its limits are. In my view, that makes him the best driver the sport has ever had. The feel for the car is one thing, but then being able to articulate exactly what he needs to perform even better – that combination is unrivalled.”

Waché continues: “When we win, he’s a dream to work with. When we lose, he’s a nightmare. No, I’m just joking, of course. All of us on the team love him because we know full well that he gives his all in the car. He’s also an exemplary team player – another reason why he’s so popular.”

“Verstappen respects the work of everyone in the team, and he only expresses his opinion on what’s important to him when it comes to handling the race car. He respects people’s expertise, and he’s quite open to ideas from those around him. I find it quite easy to work with him.”