Jacques Villeneuve has slammed the lack of characters in the next generation of Formula 1 stars.
In today’s environment when drivers are given media training and brought through a corporate environment, it is only really Red Bull that allows their youngsters to be expressive.
Max Verstappen has become known for his unfiltered reactions and willingness to speak his mind, and the 1997 world champion fears the day is coming when the Dutchman is the only such driver on the grid.
“I wonder what will remain, apart from Verstappen, when the day comes that Alonso, Hamilton and Raikkonen have all left since there are many drivers that people do not even know when they get out of the car,” he was quoted by GPFans.
“The drivers had more personality than the current ones since with the arrival of 18-year-old drivers it has become banal.”
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It has long been expected that Verstappen will be the next Hamilton in terms of his polarising nature combined with massive talent.
And former Red Bull driver Mark Webber believes the two drivers are currently the best of the grid.
“At the moment, Max and Lewis are at a very high level,” the Australian told Servus TV. “Lewis delivers every weekend and shows how incredibly strong he is and has been doing so for 10 years.
“Max can get to that level too – if he’s not already there.
“Max will certainly have a great career ahead of him, he’s in good hands. Of course, he also needs the right materials.”
