RED MIST: Wanna see the very best? Wet the track!

Before we get to Max Verstappen's amazing drive. let me explain... It’s been a while, but Red Mist is back. Reason being that I’m writing a book that’s taking so much precious time, but now there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Hopefully not a locomotive headlamp!

I’m at the part of the book that covers the 1960s. As it happens, there’s a recurring theme through those chapters. The brilliant Jimmy Clark. Every year he came to South Africa for the Springbok Series and Grand Prix. And every time Chapman’s frail Lotus failed to let him down, Jim Clark was plain and simple, untouchable.

Tragically, as they also did to Rindt, Riccardo Rodriguez, the incredible prospect of Gary Hocking, and others, one of those frail Loti also took Clark’s life. Racing was different back then. Because of that frailty, drivers had respect. Real respect for one another.

Over the years, other greats have come and gone. But none quite as great as Jim Clark. Senna was incredible. Schumacher too. But both had terrible habits. Just ask Alain, Damon, or Jacques. Without that frailty of the ‘60s and 70s, or before, the Gods were braver. Sadly, Ayrton still paid the price.

Still, in my mind, Clark was better than both of them. To me, he’s the greatest Formula 1 driver. Ever. No bravado, no bullshit. Just God-damn brilliant.

Roll on to today, and I’m scratching my head. More so since the weekend. That show on Sunday. In my mind, it was among the greatest drives. Ever. Leads me to wonder if we’re not witnessing the modern Jim Clark in Max Verstappen.

Look, Max is no angel. But then he’s no Senna or Schumacher in that way, either. He gives no quarter. Nor takes any. Sure, he’s been in controversial crashes. But has he ever taken anyone straight out in Ayrton or Michael style? Not quite. His have always been around 50-50; some of those others’ moves were, well…

Getting back to here and now, Max hasn’t had a brilliant second half this season. His frustration’s been palpable. Even if there is really no chance he’d ever lose that championship lead. But his obsessive will to win remains supreme. He was clearly out of sorts without victory.

Then it rained in Brazil. On and off. Crap conditions to truly test any driver. Except Max. That show, that incredible surreal and brilliant display on Sunday, was one of the best Grand Prix races I have ever watched in over 50 years of watching most of them.

Brazil was also the latest in a growing pile of evidence that’s starting to prove that we’re watching true greatness unfold in Max Verstappen. You go boy!