It's a debate that has long plagued Formula 1 - should world title wins be mainly credited to the car or the driver?
The argument is only likely to intensify further in 2023, with Max Verstappen seemingly benefitting from Red Bull's superior pace over their rivals. The reigning world champion has wins in Bahrain and Australia to his name in 2023, with the other Grand Prix going the way of teammate Sergio Perez.
That's not to say the 25-year-old isn't supreme in his work though, despite his recent left-field threats to retire from the sport prematurely due to the intense schedule. Indeed, one former F1 driver has implied he would be leading the standings even if his current car was a Ferrari.
The Scuderia are in early season turmoil amid the departure of Team Principle Mattia Binotto. And like in 2022, car reliability appears an issue with Charles Leclerc reportedly demanding a crisis meeting after being forced to retire from the season opener in Bahrain.
But Michael Bleekemolen, who had a short F1 stint in 1977 and 1978 with the ATS team, argued Verstappen would be able to overcome such issues were he racing for the Italian giants. After being asked if his compatriot would win the title with Ferrari, he told GPFans: "Yes, I would put my money on it. I think so.
And in a brutal dig at both Leclerc and his partner Carlos Sainz, Bleekmolen added: "Who is good, the car or the driver? That's true in a lot of teams.”
The 73-year-old did stop short of suggesting Verstappen would also retain his crown in a McLaren, but feels he would be faring better right now than Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri: "Put Max in a McLaren, he might be in the middle of the field or even further forward. Who's to say?"
Given his age Verstappen, currently contracted to Red Bull to the end of 2028, has been tipped to smash all records if he stays in F1 long-term. Indeed, former champion Damon Hill believes Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher's record-equalling haul of seven world titles will soon be within his grasp.
"The sky is the limit - it could be eight world titles," said Hill. "There's a ruthlessness to it as well. Most people find it difficult to relate to that because in normal life it's regarded as being selfish and unattractive.
