Xevi Pujolar is without a doubt a hugely important person in Max Verstappen’s career. The Spaniard worked closely with the reigning world champion during his first Formula 1 years at Toro Rosso. It is therefore no surprise that Pujolar is extremely proud of Verstappen. “His world title gave me a very satisfied feeling,” he says in an interview with Gazette. “Of course I sent a message to Jos (Verstappen, ed.) and expressed my satisfaction with this and said that Max should now enjoy the title.”
Verstappen is the rightful winner of the world title, according to Pujolar. The Limburger became champion after a stroke of luck with a safety car during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but looking at the entire season, the now Head of Trackside Engineering at Alfa Romeo that the world title is more than deserved. “Up until the safety car went in at Abu Dhabi, Hamilton would have won without question.”
“But if we make it a bit more complex and look at the whole season, then Verstappen has earned the title. In his first years, Verstappen had it a bit more difficult, but after that he quickly conquered his place among the best drivers. He is the right world champion of 2021. He drove very well and made fewer mistakes. Both Verstappen and his team have done excellent tactically.”
–
Verstappen distinguishes himself from other F1 greats
Pujolar has worked with several big names in the Formula 1 world, such as Ralf Schumacher and Mark Webber. Still, the collaboration with Verstappen was the best experience the engineer has had in his career. “I can say that without a doubt. Max has something that the others don’t have. I have helped several drivers with a lot of talent, but there was never someone with the same motivation and willpower as him. That is partly because of his father Jos, there I am sure of.”
“Jos knew that he raised a champion. I also remember that after a day of working with Max I already knew that he would become a champion. During the karting Jos was still quite hard, but at Toro Rosso Jos was very calm. Jos Of course he gave everything and wanted us to do that too, so that everything went as well as possible for his son,” said Pujolar.
– .
