F1 champion highlights rare similarity between Verstappen and Sainz

The 1997 world champion, in his analysis of modern Formula 1 drivers, highlighted how many struggle to effectively diagnose the issues with their cars. Villeneuve, in his assessment, labelled this the modern way of racing.

“Most drivers get out of the car, look at the data, and then they have the answers, but they don't actually have the question. So the answer is to give them the questions, and oftentimes you'll see them going in a completely wrong direction. But that's the modern way of racing,” he said on the High Performance podcast.

Doubling down on his point, the Canadian singled out Verstappen and Sainz as exceptions, describing them as old-fashioned drivers.

“Max is very old-fashioned in that, and I think Carlos is as well. He'll use the data a lot, but he actually has a comprehension of what is happening to the car as he's driving,” he added.

Verstappen and Sainz were teammates in their early years in Formula 1, before the Dutch driver was switched to the Red Bull Racing outfit in 2016. Sainz, on his part, would subsequently depart for Renault.

Villeneuve also dismissed the claims that the Red Bull Racing team designs its car solely to fit Verstappen.

The 54-year-old highlighted how the Dutch driver often becomes the one to get the best out of the car throughout the season and continues to be faster than his teammates.

Villeneuve also identified the extensive feedback Verstappen provides as integral to the surge in performance he often achieves over his respective teammates.

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