Formula One is a sport that thrives on speed, competition and drama, and few drivers embody that combination as completely as Max Verstappen. The Dutchman, a four-time world champion and one of the most dominant figures in the sport’s recent history, is a polarizing force. His unparalleled talent, aggressive driving style and uncompromising mentality have won him both admirers and critics. But what would Formula One be without Verstappen? Would the sport be calmer, with fewer controversies and penalties? Probably. But would it also be more boring? Absolutely. Verstappen’s presence on the grid is a guarantee of spectacle, and his absence would leave a void that would be difficult to fill.

Since making his debut in 2015, at the unprecedented age of 17, Verstappen has turned Formula 1 on its head. The youngest driver ever to enter the sport, he quickly showed that he possessed not only speed but also unparalleled determination. His maiden victory at Spain 2016, in his debut race for Red Bull, marked the beginning of a career that would redefine the sport. By 2025, Verstappen will have won four world titles, broken dozens of records and established himself as one of the greatest racing drivers of all time. His ability to win races, even in an uncompetitive car, and his consistency under pressure have made him a benchmark for the current generation of drivers.

But Verstappen’s impact goes beyond his on-track results. His aggressive, often borderline-critical driving style has sparked countless controversies. From his sport-setting duels with Lewis Hamilton in 2021 to clashes with the likes of George Russell and Lando Norris in recent seasons, Verstappen has frequently found himself at the centre of debate. His fearless approach has earned him multiple penalties, including time and grid penalties, but it has also injected Formula 1 with a raw intensity that has captivated fans worldwide. Without Verstappen, stewards would likely have less work to do, and press conferences would be less heated. But the sport would also lose some of its lustre.

A Formula 1 without Verstappen would undoubtedly be a quieter affair. The Dutchman has a knack for creating chaos on track, whether it’s a daring overtaking manoeuvre or a heated wheel-to-wheel duel. His rivalry with Hamilton in 2021, particularly the incidents at Silverstone and Monza, brought the sport to a boiling point. Even in 2025, with a more competitive grid and teams like Mercedes and McLaren challenging Red Bull, Verstappen remains the driver who stokes the fire. His collision with Norris in Austria 2024, which took them both out of the race, sparked a heated debate over driving behaviour and penalties. Without Verstappen, such moments would be rarer, but the sport would also see fewer of those heart-stopping, pulse-racing moments.

Verstappen’s penalties are often the result of his uncompromising approach. He always drives on the limit, and sometimes over it, which makes him both beloved and criticized. He has already received multiple warnings and time penalties in 2025, including a controversial penalty in Canada for cutting a corner during a duel with Oscar Piastri. Critics claim Verstappen’s driving style is sometimes too aggressive, but his fans see it as a sign of his determination to win. Without him, the stewards would be less in the spotlight, and the discussions about driving would be less intense. But Formula 1 would also lose some of the unpredictability that makes the sport so attractive.

Yet it’s hard to imagine a Formula 1 without Verstappen that would be as exciting. His presence guarantees spectacle, whether it’s a dominant victory, a daring overtake or a controversial collision. In 2025, he has won six races in the first half of the season, including a masterful performance in Monaco, where he drove from fifth to victory. His ability to get the best out of his car, even when Red Bull isn’t the fastest, is a testament to his exceptional talent. Without Verstappen, races could become more predictable, and the sport would lose one of its biggest crowd-pullers.

Verstappen’s influence extends beyond the track. He is a global star, with a huge fan base, especially in the Netherlands, where the ‘Orange Sea’ stands are coloured orange during races. His popularity has helped Formula 1 attract a younger audience, thanks in part to his social media presence and unfiltered personality. Without him, the sport might be less appealing to this new generation of fans, and the stands would be less vibrant with energy. Verstappen also inspires young drivers, such as Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Oscar Piastri, to push their limits. His absence would leave a void that even the most talented newcomers will find difficult to fill.

The current generation of drivers is incredibly strong, with the likes of Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Norris and Antonelli all vying for the top. But Verstappen stands above them all, not just because of his results, but because of his ability to dominate the sport, both on and off the track. His rivalries, his controversies and his unrivalled speed make him a unique figure. Without him, Formula 1 would still be exciting, but it would have a different dynamic. The races would be less explosive, the storylines less dramatic, and the sport would lose part of its soul.

Still, it’s important to acknowledge that Verstappen’s presence has not come without its critics. Some fans and analysts believe his aggressive driving style sometimes makes the sport too heated, and that his punishments are justified. Others argue that Formula 1 would be more harmonious without him, with less controversy and more respect between drivers. But even his critics can’t deny that Verstappen is one of the greatest talents the sport has ever seen. His ability to win races under immense pressure, such as his wet-weather victory at Brazil 2024, shows what makes him so special.

As the 2025 season rolls on, Verstappen remains the driver to beat. His rivalry with Antonelli, who is impressing in his debut season at Mercedes, and his ongoing battles with Norris and Leclerc keep the sport alive. But imagine a grid without him. The races would still be fast, the cars would still be advanced, and the drivers would still be talented. But something would be missing: that unpredictable, electrifying energy that only Verstappen can bring. Formula 1 would be calmer, with fewer penalties and less drama. But boring? You bet. Because Max Verstappen is more than just a driver; he is a phenomenon who is defining the sport and propelling it to new heights.