Rob Smedley: Max Verstappen is “The Ultimate Competitor” | F1 News

Former Ferrari race engineer Rob Smedley has offered a compelling insight into the mindset of four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen, describing the Red Bull Racing driver as “the ultimate competitor.” Smedley, speaking on the High Performance podcast, highlighted Verstappen’s relentless self-motivation and a competitive drive that extends beyond simply winning races – a desire, as Smedley put it, to “humiliate people.”

Smedley’s assessment centers on Verstappen’s intrinsic motivation, a quality he believes sets him apart from other elite drivers. “He is the epitome of somebody who brings his own motivation and drive every hour of every day,” Smedley explained. “He is so motivated. He is a winning machine. He wants to win. He is so competitive.”

The former Ferrari engineer’s observation isn’t merely about a desire to be first across the finish line. It’s about the magnitude of victory, the gap between Verstappen and his rivals. “He wants to put a big gap between me and the next best,” Smedley stated, suggesting that Verstappen isn’t satisfied with narrow margins of success. “He finds that motivation from somewhere, like the gap to the next best driver on the grid isn’t big enough. I need it to be bigger and I need to outperform myself and I need to drag the team along.”

This relentless pursuit of dominance, Smedley argues, is a powerful force. “And that is a powerful drug when you have somebody on your side like that, who is so self-motivated.” He contrasted this with the need to constantly spur on other drivers, emphasizing that Verstappen’s internal drive is a constant, self-sustaining engine.

Smedley’s comments come as Verstappen continues to solidify his position as a leading figure in Formula 1. While the 2025 season saw Lando Norris ultimately claim the driver’s championship, Verstappen mounted a strong late-season challenge, pushing both Norris and Oscar Piastri to their limits. His second-place finish underscored his continued competitiveness and dedication.

The intensity of Verstappen’s ambition, according to Smedley, isn’t about malice. “I don’t mean that in a nasty way, but that’s what goes through his mind. He is the ultimate competitor.” It’s a drive to not just win, but to decisively outperform, to leave no doubt about his superiority on the track. Smedley believes this mindset is what separates Verstappen from the field, pushing him to consistently exceed expectations.

Smedley’s perspective is particularly noteworthy given his extensive experience within Formula 1. Having served as a race engineer for Ferrari, he has worked closely with some of the sport’s most accomplished drivers, providing him with a unique understanding of the psychological factors that contribute to success at the highest level. His choice of Verstappen as the driver he would most like to work with speaks volumes about the Red Bull driver’s exceptional qualities.

The engineer’s comments also highlight the importance of self-belief and internal motivation in a sport that demands both technical skill and mental fortitude. While talent and a competitive machine are essential, Smedley’s analysis suggests that Verstappen possesses an intangible quality – a relentless desire to dominate – that elevates him above his peers. He is, in Smedley’s estimation, a driver who doesn’t just want to win, but needs to win, and to win convincingly.

Smedley’s observations offer a glimpse into the mindset of a champion, revealing a level of ambition and competitive fire that few can match. It’s a perspective that underscores why Max Verstappen has become a dominant force in Formula 1, and a driver who consistently pushes the boundaries of what’s possible on the track.