Villeneuve expects new motivation for Verstappen: 'That's a guarantee'

For the first time since 2014, we will see the starting number 01 on the F1 grid. Max Verstappen won the driver's championship last year and therefore gets to drive with the lowest starting number this season. Not every world champion chooses to start with the No.1, but one of those drivers who did is Jacques Villeneuve.

The Canadian became world champion in 1997 and was therefore allowed to start the season in 1998 with No.1. He was unable to defend this number successfully, but knows better than anyone what it is like to start the season as world champion.

"It gives you a lot of confidence, because it means you have what it takes to achieve such results," Villeneuve explained in conversation with La Gazzetta Dello Sport.

Verstappen can defend title

"But if you don't have a machine to defend it, then it does become a burden on your shoulders," according to the Canadian. However, he expects Verstappen to at least have the car to defend his world title this season. In Bahrain, it became clear that Ferrari is probably going to be the biggest challenger for the Dutchman's team.

Villeneuve expects that Red Bull Racing does not even need a dominant car to become champion with Verstappen. "Max is capable of great driving, from the first race to the last, and he is capable of getting the most out of that Red Bull. That's a guarantee," Villeneuve concluded.