As you will no doubt come to recognise, Jos Verstappen is most definitely my favourite driver currently competing in F1, and my hopes remain high that his regular flashes of brilliance will gain him more tangible results. So far he has mainly had to contend with underpowered or midfield cars, but the talent has often been there to see.

For a full career summary, click here for my article on the 8W website.

So, why is it that I should choose to champion the driving of Jos Verstappen, in particular? Well, for several reasons, but most importantly an overall belief in his talents.

Like the man himself, I feel he has nothing to fear from any other driver, in terms of ability behind the wheel. That is the fundamental requirement in this sport, after all. OK, so maybe he isn’t always the best of qualifiers, but very few drivers have got the whole package in any case, and the fact that he can pull out a good single lap does somewhat negate the criticism. No, the reasons for championing ‘the Boss’ are more closely associated with actual racing, whilst at the same time recognising that he has got the essential, if inevitable, turn of speed as well.

Firstly, Jos is not afraid to admit that he has an aggressive approach to his driving, rather than a smooth one. Many experts will suggest that this is the wrong way to go about things, and that if you are driving on the edge in this manner, it should come as no surprise when there are crashes. Although I’m not an expert, with some drivers you can see an unhurried fluidity of style (think of Stewart, or Prost, or think of Barrichello, Button or de la Rosa). I would think it is fair to say that this is the reason why they have rarely damaged their cars. The first two names mentioned show that this approach can pay dividends, right? But it will surely always be a Peterson, a Jarier, a Villeneuve, a Bellof or an Alesi who gets the crowd going, and why not? If a car’s going to crash with one of these natural talents on board, it must surely be undriveable.

Jos has ever been tagged the ‘erratic’ type, but his off-road instances have become fairly rare in recent times, and are most frequently in circumstances involving mechanical failures. With experience, the Dutchman has reached maturity, and yet he still throws the car into corners in the same old style. He is not reckless, though, as his wet weather mastery must demonstrate. It is a ‘measured abandon’ if anything. The major factor in Jos’ brilliance has much to do with the way he drives the first lap of a Grand Prix. Firstly, he always seems to make good starts, leaving the line rapidly, and on cue, and building better momentum very quickly. This gains him places, and yet there is still the remainder of lap one, where he is usually well enough hooked up to make passes while other people are still getting into their stride. And his start technique is such that he has never stalled the engine and rarely loses places. If he started near the front...

What is it about Jos that allows him to go so well on the opening lap of a race? The necessary attributes would include unswerving self belief, lightning reflexes, superb car control and natural feel on colder tyres, and the ability to see where gaps are opening and not hesitate in going for them. Also, you no doubt build an awareness of which drivers will perhaps err on the side of caution, in the thick of things at lights-out, even if this is equates to a fractional amount. As the remainder of the lap unfolds, these abilities are all called on, plus the confidence of someone who knows they can pull off all manner of passes. It doesn’t surprise me (in fact it makes me smile) to read that Jos appears to be the one driver who approaches a track convinced that there are several overtaking opportunities available. And, from where I’m sitting, he so often proves this.

You don’t believe me about his starts? Well, most of his F1 cars have not had the pace to start races from near the front, so it will not have been that obvious on television. However, just take note of where he is starting from next time you watch a race. See if you can pick up how well he gets away, where he moves to, what attacks he makes, who he passes and how many places he has gained when the lap is complete. Then look for the same things at the next race. I guarantee you will seen what I’m talking about. And, if it helps, the statistics back me up.

Now, is there any reason to assume that all other top line racing drivers are lacking in any of the qualities described above? Surely not, but equally can they all have each asset in the same degree? Apart from all being fast, different drivers have different strengths, and Jos is particularly impressive as described. I would not go as far as to say that Jos Verstappen is the best driver there is, but over the years his experience has led to an improved race craft that would surely be well rewarded in the right machinery.