Karun Chandhok saw proof in Max Verstappen onboard that he’s physically stronger than F1 rivals

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Karun Chandhok has explained why Max Verstappen is physically stronger than his rivals after watching his onboard footage.

Verstappen, 28, has endured a tough start to the 2026 Formula 1 season, following a major revamp of the sport’s rules and regulations. 

Red Bull have struggled to provide Verstappen with a competitive car, with the RB22 lacking in overall performance.

However, despite their struggles, it was decided that Red Bull have the best power unit on the grid, which means they will not be handed ADUO for engine-related upgrades.

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Karun Chandhok seriously impressed by ‘relentless’ Max Verstappen

Speaking recently on the Sky Sports F1 Show, Chandhok was quick to notice a physical advantage that Verstappen has over his rivals, which makes him ‘relentless’. 

The former Minardi driver alluded to the fact that Kimi Antonelli appeared to struggle with his neck during the Barcelona Grand Prix, but Verstappen was still ‘leaning into the corner’.

He went on to label the four-time F1 world champion as a ‘beast’ who can perform at his best lap after lap.

Chandhok said: “In those high-pressure moments, he doesn’t wilt under the pressure. I watched some of the onboard footage in Barcelona, right?

“You see those long corners; we saw Antonelli resting his head on the headrest and the other drivers, you could see the fatigue.

“You’re deep in the race, and Max is like leaning into the corner; he is just a beast, he is relentless lap after lap.

“If you are any other team principal, you have to speak to Raymond Vermeulen and say, ‘Hey, what is the story?’.” 

READ MORE: Jenson Button shares why McLaren should not rush to replace Oscar Piastri with Max Verstappen

After what was a dreadful start to the campaign, Verstappen delivered an impressive performance at the Austrian Grand Prix.

After Verstappen crashed in the closing stages of Q3, he had to start the race from fifth place.

The Dutchman displayed tremendous pace and brilliant wheel-to-wheel racing to eventually finish second behind George Russell.

In truth, Verstappen could have had the chance to win the race if it was slightly longer, with the margin between the pair at around 1.6 seconds when they took the chequered flag.

Looking ahead, with Red Bull planning further upgrades for the RB22, Verstappen could again mount a late charge for the world title, just like he did in 2025.