Stewart credits Verstappen for 'rejuvenating' F1

Sir Jackie Stewart believes the new influx of young talent in Formula 1 is exciting for the sport, and has credited Red Bull's Max Verstappen for 'rejuvenating' interest and competition due to becoming such a supreme talent so quickly since making his debut.

The 2019 F1 grid has a youthful feel, with Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Pierre Gasly, George Russell, and Lando Norris all set to feature together for the first time as teams put faith in younger drivers.

Stewart believes Verstappen, in particular, should receive praise for catalysing this new era.

“We need young drivers, we need new blood," the F1 legend told F1 Fan Voice.

"And they’re out there. Suddenly, a Verstappen arrives and blows the place apart, and that’s rejuvenating, in a way, for Formula 1, that he’s come in and done so well so quickly.

“But Red Bull had [a lot to do with that], by bringing him on through the formative classes of the sport. But it’s tougher today than it’s ever been for a young driver to come along, to find the resources.”

Stewart reckons that more should be done to help younger drivers gain access to such resources, and that larger companies could and should do more to get involved in the sport.

“If more multinational corporations were to take an interest – because everybody drives a car, whether it’s a Fiat or a Ferrari, they’re all driving cars, so some of the commercial enterprises of the world should see that and use motorsport… because it’s infectious, and bring young drivers along and hopefully bring them to the highest levels [of motorsport]," the 79-year-old concluded.

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