Formula 1 is a sport that thrives on speed, rivalry, and suspense, and few drivers embody this combination as perfectly as Max Verstappen. The Dutchman, a four-time world champion and one of the most influential figures in the sport’s recent history, is a polarizing force. His unparalleled talent, aggressive driving style, and uncompromising mentality have earned him admirers and critics alike. But what would Formula 1 be without Verstappen? Would the sport be calmer, with fewer controversies and sanctions? Probably. But would it be more boring? Absolutely. Verstappen’s presence on the grid guarantees spectacle, and his absence would leave a void that would be difficult to fill.

Since his debut in 2015 at the record age of 17, Verstappen has shaken up Formula 1. The youngest driver in the history of the sport, he quickly demonstrated his unparalleled speed and determination. His first victory in Spain in 2016, in his first race with Red Bull, marked the beginning of a career that would once again define the sport. By 2025, Verstappen had won four world titles, broken dozens of records, and established himself as one of the greatest drivers of all time. His ability to win races, even in a less capable car, and his consistency under pressure have made him a benchmark for the current generation of drivers.

But Verstappen’s impact goes beyond his results. His aggressive, often limit-pushing driving style has sparked countless controversies. From his duels with Lewis Hamilton in 2021, which set the sport ablaze, to his collisions with drivers like George Russell and Lando Norris in recent seasons, Verstappen is often at the center of discussion. His bold approach has earned him several penalties, including time and grid penalties, but it has also infused Formula 1 with a dose of raw intensity that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. Without Verstappen, the stewards would likely have less work to do and the press conferences would be less animated. But the sport would also lose its luster.

A Formula 1 without Verstappen would undoubtedly be calmer. The Dutchman has a knack for causing chaos on track, whether it’s a daring overtaking maneuver or a wheel-to-wheel warm-up. His rivalry with Hamilton in 2021, notably the incidents at Silverstone and Monza, brought the sport to a fever pitch. Even in 2025, with a more competitive grid and teams like Mercedes and McLaren challenging Red Bull, Verstappen remains the driver fanning the flames. His collision with Norris at Austria 2024, which led to both retirements, sparked a heated debate about driving behavior and penalties. Without Verstappen, such moments would be rarer, but the sport would also see fewer thrilling and exciting moments.

Verstappen’s penalties are often the result of his uncompromising approach. He always pushes himself to the limit, and sometimes even beyond, earning him both admiration and criticism. In 2025, he has already received several warnings and prison sentences, including a controversial penalty in Canada for cutting a corner during a duel with Oscar Piastri. Critics say 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 often the center of attention and discussions about driving behavior would be less intense. But Formula 1 would also lose some of its unpredictability, a characteristic that makes the sport so appealing.

Yet it’s hard to imagine a Formula 1 race without Verstappen being as exciting. His presence guarantees a spectacle, whether it’s a resounding victory, a daring comeback, or a controversial collision. In 2025, he won six races in the first half of the season, including a masterful feat in Monaco, where he won from fifth position. His ability to get the most 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 could lose one of its greatest attractions.

Verstappen’s influence extends beyond his position. A global star, he commands a huge following, particularly in the Netherlands, where the “Oranjezee” wear their orange jerseys 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 attractive to this new generation of fans, and the stands would be less lively. Moreover, Verstappen inspires young drivers, like Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Oscar Piastri, to push their limits. His absence would leave a void that would be difficult to fill, even for the most talented.

The current generation of drivers is incredibly strong, with names like Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Norris, and Antonelli all vying for the top spot. But Verstappen surpasses them all, not only in his results, but also in his ability to dominate the sport, both on and off the track. His rivalry, his controversies, and his unrivaled speed make him a unique figure. Without him, Formula 1 would still be exciting, but its dynamics would be different. The races would be less explosive, the storylines less dramatic, and the sport would lose some of its soul.

It’s important to acknowledge, however, that Verstappen’s presence isn’t without its critics. Some fans and analysts believe his aggressive driving style sometimes makes the sport too tense and that his penalties are justified. Others argue that Formula 1 would be more harmonious without him, with less controversy and more respect among drivers. But even his detractors 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 victory in Brazil in 2024 in the rain, shows why he’s so special.

As the 2025 season continues, Verstappen remains the driver to beat. His rivalry with Antonelli, who impressed Mercedes in his first season, and his constant battles with Norris and Leclerc keep the sport alive. But imagine a grid without him. The races would still be fast, the cars still capable, and the drivers still talented. But something would be missing: that unpredictable, electric energy that Verstappen can only bring. Formula 1 would be calmer, with fewer penalties and less suspense. But boring? Certainly. Because Max Verstappen isn’t just a driver; he’s a phenomenon who defines the sport and propels it to new heights.