Formula 1 has seen a handful of dominant drivers who not only leave their mark on the track but also redefine the sport with their unique style and relentless drive. Michael Schumacher, a seven-time world champion, was one such figure, and his legacy in F1 is legendary. In recent years, Max Verstappen, the Dutch prodigy, has been making waves with a driving style and a championship-winning mindset that echo Schumacher’s own approach. Here are five surprising ways in which Verstappen mirrors Schumacher’s impact on the world of Formula 1.

1. Aggressive Driving Style
Both Schumacher and Verstappen are known for their aggressive approach on the track. Schumacher’s ability to push his car to the absolute limit, often leaving little room for error, earned him a reputation as a relentless competitor. Verstappen’s driving shares that same audacity. His late braking, fearless overtakes, and precision under pressure remind fans of Schumacher’s prime years. This “all or nothing” approach has drawn admiration but also criticism, as it can lead to tense moments and high-stakes incidents, much like Schumacher experienced throughout his career.

2. Ruthless Competitiveness
For both Schumacher and Verstappen, winning is the ultimate goal, and they’ll do whatever it takes to get there. Schumacher famously said that finishing second was the “first of the losers,” and this win-at-all-costs mentality is evident in Verstappen as well. Verstappen has displayed a similar single-mindedness, often willing to take risks others wouldn’t in order to secure victory. This characteristic has propelled him to the top of F1 and cemented his status as one of the most competitive drivers on the grid.

3. Elevating Their Teams to New Heights
Schumacher’s arrival at Ferrari in 1996 marked a transformative period for the team. He worked closely with engineers and management to build a team capable of sustained success, resulting in five consecutive championships from 2000 to 2004. Verstappen has similarly played a pivotal role in Red Bull Racing’s recent success. His collaboration with engineers and his ability to push the car beyond its limits has turned Red Bull into a dominant force, leading to multiple consecutive titles. Both drivers’ impacts show that while individual skill is critical, building a championship-winning team is equally important.

4. Mental Resilience Under Pressure
Formula 1 demands an incredible amount of mental toughness, especially when competing at the highest level. Schumacher and Verstappen have shown remarkable resilience when faced with setbacks or criticism. Schumacher’s calmness in high-stress situations and his ability to bounce back from disappointments were key factors in his success. Verstappen, too, has demonstrated this strength, handling high-pressure moments with a maturity beyond his years. Whether dealing with controversial race incidents or challenging conditions, Verstappen, like Schumacher, seems unshakable in his focus.

5. Redefining F1 Records
Schumacher’s reign in the 1990s and early 2000s saw him break numerous records, some of which were thought unbreakable. Verstappen, following in these footsteps, is already setting his own records and rewriting what’s possible in modern F1. His record for consecutive race wins in a single season, as well as his achievements at such a young age, are reminiscent of Schumacher’s milestones. Both drivers have a knack for achieving the seemingly impossible, setting a new standard for the future of the sport.

While Schumacher and Verstappen hail from different eras, their similarities reveal shared traits that define greatness in Formula 1. Aggressive on the track, fiercely competitive, and willing to push themselves and their teams beyond limits, both Schumacher and Verstappen have redefined the sport and captured the imagination of fans worldwide. These parallels between the two champions not only highlight Verstappen’s legacy in the making but also underscore Schumacher’s enduring influence on the next generation of F1 stars.