Formula 1 is a sport that thrives on speed, rivalry and drama, and few pilots embody that complete combination like Max Verstappen. The Dutch, world champion four and one of the most dominant figures in the recent history of sport, is a polarizing force. His unparalleled talent, his aggressive driving style and intransigent mentality gave him both admirers and critics. But what would formula 1 be without Verstappen? Would sport be more calm, with less disputes and punishments? Probably. But would it be more boring? Absolute. The presence of Verstappen on the grid is a guarantee for the show and its absence would leave a hole that is difficult to fill.

From his debut in 2015, to the ageless age of 17, Verstappen overturned Formula 1. It was the youngest pilot ever in sport and soon showed that not only had speed, but also an unparalleled determination. His first victory in Spain 2016, in his debut race for Red Bull, marked the beginning of a career that would have defined sport again. By 2025, Verstappen broke four world titles, beat dozens of records and established themselves as one of the greatest drivers of all time. His ability to win races, even with a less competitive car, and his consistent performance under pressure made him a point of reference for the current generation of drivers.

But the impact of Verstappen goes beyond its results. His aggressive driving style, which often balances on the edge, has led to countless controversies. From his duels with Lewis Hamilton in 2021, which set fire to sport, to collisions with drivers such as George Russell and Lando Norris in recent seasons, Verstappen is often the center of discussion. His fearless approach has given him several penalties, including time phrases and grilled phrases, but he also gave formula 1 a dose of raw intensity that fans keep fans under the spell. Without Verstappen, the administrators probably would have less work and the press conferences would be less heated. But sport would also lose something of its splendor.

A formula 1 without Verstappen would undoubtedly be quieter. The Dutchman has a talent for the creation of chaos on the track, whether it is an audacious recovery maneuver or a heated wheel. His rivalry with Hamilton in 2021, in particular the accidents of Silverstone and Monza, brought sport to a boiling point. Also in 2025, with a more competitive grid and teams such as Mercedes and McLaren who challenge Red Bull, Verstappen remains the driver who arouses fire. His collision with Norris in Austria 2024, which both eliminated from the race, led to a discussion on on driving behavior and punitive measures. Without Verstappen, these moments would be rarer, but sport would also have less than those breathtaking and heart moments.

The penalties that Verstappen receives are often the result of his intransigent approach. Always guides the limit, and sometimes on it, which makes it loved and criticized. In 2025 he has already received several warnings and phrases of time, including a controversial punishment in Canada for cutting a curve during a duel with Oscar Piastri. Critics say that Verstappen’s driving style is sometimes too aggressive, but his fans see him as a sign of his determination to win. Without him, the administrators would be less often the center of attention and the discussions on driving behavior would be less intense. But Formula 1 would also lose part of its unpredictability, a characteristic that makes sport so attractive.

Yet it is difficult to imagine that a formula 1 without Verstappen would be equally exciting. Its presence guarantees a show, whether it is a dominant victory, an obey capture action or a controversial collision. In 2025 he won six races in the first half of the season, including a master’s result in Munich, where he went to victory from the fifth position. His ability to get the best from his car, even when Red Bull is not the fastest, it is proof of his exceptional talent. Without Verstappen, breeds could become more predictable and sport could lose one of its greatest crowd extractors.

Verstappen’s influence extends beyond work. He is a global star, with a large crowd of fans, especially in the Netherlands, where Oranjezee is orange during the races. His popularity has helped Formula 1 to attract a younger audience, thanks in part to his presence on social media and his unficked personality. Without him, sport could be less attractive for fans of this new generation and the stands would be less gorgogant of energy. In addition, Verstapen inspires young drivers, such as Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Oscar Plastri, to push their limits. His absence would leave a void that is difficult to fill because of the most talented new arrivals.

The current generation of pilots is incredibly strong, with names such as Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Norris and Antonelli who all compete for the top. But Verstappen is above them, not only for its results, but also for its ability to dominate sport, both inside and out of the track. Its rivalry, its disputes and its unparalleled speed make it a unique figure. Without him Formula 1 would still be exciting, but would have a different dynamic. The breeds would be less explosive, the less dramatic plots and sport would lose some of its souls.

However, it is important to recognize that the presence of Verstappen is not critical without criticism. Some fans and analysts think that his aggressive driving style sometimes makes sport too warm and that his penalties are justified. Others argue that Formula 1 would be more harmonious without him, with less controversies and more respect among the drivers. But even its critics cannot deny that Verstappen is one of the greatest talents that sport has ever seen. His ability to win races under immense pressure, like his victory in Brazil 2024 in the rain, shows why it is so special.

While the 2025 season continues, Verstappen remains the driver to beat. His rivalry with Antonelli, which affects Mercedes in his debut season, and his continuous fight with Norris and Leclerc keeps sport alive. But imagine a grid without him. The races would still be fast, the cars are still advanced and the pilots still have talent. But something was missing: that unpredictable electric energy that can only bring Verstappen. Formula 1 would be more calm, with less punishment and less dramas. But boring? Certainly. Because Max Verstappen is not just a driver; It is a phenomenon that defines sport and pushes it to new heights