Max Verstappen has earned a reputation as one of Formula 1’s fiercest competitors, and according to current FIA steward and former F1 driver Vitantonio Liuzzi, that reputation extends far beyond his raw speed. The Italian has admitted that Verstappen consistently places race officials in incredibly difficult positions by operating right on the edge of the sport’s regulations, making him one of the hardest drivers to judge during controversial incidents.
Liuzzi, who is serving on the FIA’s rotating panel of stewards throughout the 2026 Formula 1 season, offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it is like to assess Verstappen’s aggressive racing style. While many incidents involving other drivers can be evaluated relatively quickly, the Dutchman’s wheel-to-wheel battles often require far more detailed analysis because of how precisely he understands the rulebook.
VERSTAPPEN’S RACING STYLE CONTINUES TO CHALLENGE FIA OFFICIALS
Despite Red Bull not enjoying the outright dominance it once had, Verstappen remains one of the grid’s most formidable competitors. Even while battling machinery that has frequently left him frustrated this season, the four-time world champion has continued to fight at the front, extracting maximum performance whenever opportunities arise.
Liuzzi described Verstappen as a “war machine” on the race track, explaining that the Red Bull driver has an exceptional ability to position his car exactly within the legal limits. Rather than crossing the line, Verstappen repeatedly places himself in situations where determining whether an infringement has actually occurred becomes extremely difficult.
That level of precision forces FIA stewards to carefully examine every angle, onboard camera, telemetry reading, and racing circumstance before reaching a verdict. According to Liuzzi, Verstappen consistently leaves officials with far tougher decisions than most other drivers on the grid.
WHY THE NEW OVERTAKING RULES PLAY INTO VERSTAPPEN’S STRENGTHS
Formula 1 introduced updated overtaking guidelines for the 2026 season, placing greater emphasis on front axle positioning and establishing clearer expectations for drivers contesting corners side by side. While many competitors are still adapting to the revised interpretations, Verstappen appears to have mastered the nuances almost immediately.
Liuzzi believes the Dutchman constantly calculates where his car is positioned relative to his rivals and understands exactly how the regulations will likely be interpreted by the stewards. That awareness allows him to defend aggressively and attack confidently while remaining within the boundaries of the sporting code.
It is this combination of racecraft, intelligence, and rulebook knowledge that continues to make Verstappen one of Formula 1’s most difficult drivers to race against.
FIA STEWARD HAS ADVICE FOR McLAREN’S TITLE CONTENDERS
With McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri emerging as Verstappen’s closest challengers, Liuzzi believes they have plenty to learn from studying the reigning champion’s approach.
Rather than trying to out-muscle Verstappen in direct combat, the FIA steward suggested his rivals should spend time reviewing previous races and developing a deeper understanding of both the overtaking regulations and Verstappen’s decision-making under pressure.
According to Liuzzi, Verstappen constantly places opponents in uncomfortable situations by forcing them into split-second decisions while simultaneously ensuring he remains aware of how every move could later be interpreted by race officials.
EXPERIENCE CONTINUES TO GIVE VERSTAPPEN A COMPETITIVE EDGE
Verstappen’s ability to combine aggression with remarkable precision has become one of his defining qualities throughout his Formula 1 career. While outright speed remains essential, modern Formula 1 is increasingly influenced by detailed regulations and steward interpretations, making racecraft more valuable than ever.
Liuzzi’s comments offer rare insight into why Verstappen continues to frustrate both his rivals and the officials responsible for policing the sport. Rather than relying solely on natural talent, the Red Bull driver has developed an understanding of Formula 1’s regulations that allows him to extract every possible advantage without consistently crossing the line.
As the 2026 championship battle intensifies, that skill could once again prove decisive. If Verstappen continues to operate on the very edge of the regulations while avoiding significant penalties, his rivals may have little choice but to adapt to his approach or risk being beaten both on the track and in the stewards’ room.
