Michael Schumacher’s ex-agent pinpoints biggest difference between Ferrari legend and Max Verstappen

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The comparisons between Max Verstappen and Michael Schumacher have been ever-present throughout the Dutchman’s career in Formula 1, and the Ferrari legend’s former manager has pinpointed the biggest difference between the two multiple world champions.

The German driver is still joint with Lewis Hamilton as the two most successful drivers in the sport, regarding their championship tallies, with Verstappen needing another three world titles to his name before he enters the same league as them.

However, Verstappen has been taking inspiration from Schumacher to allow himself the opportunity to equal, and potentially surpass, the legends that preceded him.

The Dutchman has asserted himself as a leadership figure within the ranks of the Red Bull setup, akin to how Schumacher ‘took over’ Ferrari upon his arrival in Maranello and kicked off the most fruitful period that the Italian constructor had ever experienced.

READ MORE: Oscar Piastri is now facing a similar issue that stung Michael Schumacher when he first joined Ferrari

Willi Weber highlights one big difference between Michael Schumacher and Max Verstappen’s driving styles

The inspiration has certainly helped the 28-year-old thus far.

Schumacher’s 2002 season and Verstappen’s 2023 campaign are considered two of the greatest single-season performances in F1 history, with the RB19 aiding the four-time world champion as he smashed record after record on his way to a third consecutive title.

Amid the comparisons of the two icons, Schumacher’s former boss, Willi Weber, has noted one crucial difference between them.

The 83-year-old has a unique perspective on things due to the fact that he also used to manage the career of the Red Bull star’s father, Jos Verstappen.

In a recent interview with F1 Insider, Weber said, “Max is more of an instinctive driver who decides on gut feeling and is almost always right.

“Michael did everything thoughtfully, every manoeuvre was calculated. Both sacrificed themselves completely for their success.

“They are not glamorous types who live for the show. They were and are athletes, not Hollywood stars. Their successes are always in service to the sport.”

READ MORE: Guenther Steiner names the four F1 drivers he ranks above Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher

One Michael Schumacher-esque trait of Max Verstappen’s may have led Red Bull down the wrong route in 2025

The 2025 F1 campaign has served as a difficult reminder of how quickly the pecking order can change if the leading teams fail to capitalise on their advantage.

The performance of the RB21 in the first half of the season has made Verstappen’s title defence close to impossible, but the Dutchman is making a last-minute bid to secure a fifth consecutive title, thanks to the upgrades that Red Bull continues to develop and refine.

However, the Austrian constructor may not have seen themselves fall from their perch if they hadn’t blindly catered to the driving style of their star driver.

Verstappen’s ability to maximise pace despite mistakes may have misled Red Bull engineers into going down a development route that was detrimental to the overall package that the RB21 required.

It’s a trait that was seen through Ferrari engineers with Michael Schumacher during his highly successful tenure with the team, and can be considered as one of the side effects of witnessing greatness.