Martin Brundle shares simple reason Max Verstappen is ‘most gifted’ driver he’s ever seen in the wet

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Martin Brundle has revealed why Max Verstappen is the ‘most gifted’ Formula 1 driver in the wet. 

It is no secret that one of the most difficult challenges an F1 driver could face is driving in wet conditions.

Visibility is low, the track turns into an ice rink, and the drivers are left on their own to navigate through the field.

Over the years, there have been a number of memorable wet races, with the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso and Ayrton Senna labelled as some of the sport’s rain masters.

Martin Brundle shares why Max Verstappen is ‘most gifted’ driver he’s ever seen in the wet

For Brundle, Verstappen stands out from the rest, as he recalls watching his performance back in 2016. 

Speaking to Sky Sports reporter Rachel Brookes in her new book, ‘F1 Racing Drive’, Brundle praised Verstappen’s ability to find grip. 

Brookes wrote: “On Max, Martin Brundle told me, ‘Max is actually, perhaps, the most gifted [driver] I have ever seen in the rain. If the grip is missing, Max will find it. And if he doesn’t, he’ll somehow save the car anyway.

“’Brazil 2016, he went full Tokyo Drift through the final corner, caught the slide like it was nothing and still looked bored. The way he catches spins with just the right amount of opposite lock and perfectly timed brake release is nothing short of black magic.’”

Which F1 driver, past or present, would you trust the most in the rain?

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READ MORE: Max Verstappen recalls ‘emotional’ maiden Formula 1 win at Spanish Grand Prix 10 years later

In the end, Verstappen finished in third place at the 2016 Brazilian Grand Prix, behind Mercedes duo Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton.

At the time, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner was full of praise for Verstappen but admitted there were nerves on the pit wall.

As per The Guardian, Horner said: “I think that almost necessitated an underwear change for most of the pit wall. But again he was extremely calm the way he came on the radio. He seemed in control all afternoon.

“He was just exploring. Even behind the safety car, you could see him having a look at different parts of the tarmac, just looking for grip.”