Champion disputes Verstappen’s oval danger concerns: 'Not the same nowadays'
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Kada Sárközi joined GPblog as an editor ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season. He graduated with a BA in Sports Journalism in the UK and has covered Grands Prix and other F1 events live.
Max Verstappen likes to test himself in different forms of motorsport, but the Dutchman previously explained that the famous Indy500 is not on his mind because of the dangers of oval racing. IndyCar driver Alex Palou doesn't necessarily agree with the Dutchman's concerns in the past.
"Nowadays it’s not the same. Safety is incredible, both in the circuit and in the car, and we’re no longer taking those kinds of risks. Even so, obviously, it still involves much more risk than a normal race."- Alex Palou
Palou had a year to remember in the IndyCar series. The Spanish driver won eight races this season, including the famous Indy500 as well as claiming his fourth title.
When asked about Verstappen's previous statements, speaking to Marca, the Spanish driver explained: "It’s obviously very dangerous — more dangerous than a normal race, yes — but it’s not like it used to be.
"Twenty or twenty-five years ago, one or two drivers could die, and further back there were even more. There were reserve drivers in case there was an accident.
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"Nowadays it’s not the same. Safety is incredible, both in the circuit and in the car, and we’re no longer taking those kinds of risks. Even so, obviously, it still involves much more risk than a normal race."
Max Verstappen - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
Palou believes Verstappen will become the 'best ever' in 10 years
When asked about the best driver in history, the Chip Ganassi Racing driver also mentioned the Dutchman's name.
He said: "If we give him another 10 years, we'll be able to say that Max is probably the best in history."
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