Blundell wants more tests in F1: 'Only Verstappen set everything on fire'

Drivers are getting the chance to make their debut in Formula 1 at an increasingly younger age. Max Verstappen played an important role in this, because teams do not like to choose for talents from Formula 2, says Mark Blundell.

Verstappen is not Senna

Blundell himself was active in Formula 1 between 1991 and 1995 where he achieved a total of 61 races, 32 points and 3 podium finishes. The Brit is in the F1 Nation Podcast praising Verstappen, although he does not want to compare the Dutchman with Ayrton Senna.

''The young Verstappen actually does everything he has to do and squeezes the maximum out of that car. I would like to see him next to Lewis Hamilton, but that will probably never happen. Max is a pure racer who does things that others have never done and probably never will, but I don't see him mature enough to lead a team like Senna'', says Blundell.

More tests in Formula 1

The former driver of McLaren and Tyrrell admits that he cannot make a clear comparison. According to the British, a lot has changed in Formula 1. Young drivers have fewer opportunities in the sport and according to Blundell this is due to the lack of testing. Choosing talent is now a big risk.

''It would be great if teams could test again with a limited budget, because then you can hire young drivers you've steamed up in that car. It is now too big a risk to put an F2 driver in that car, because he still has a lot of steps to take. Verstappen immediately set everything on fire, but then also experienced a dip'', concludes Blundell.