Fittipaldi Calls Verstappen the Best in F1
Reigning four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen is being hailed as the pinnacle of current racing talent by two-time world champion Emerson Fittipaldi. In an exclusive interview with Autosport, Fittipaldi expressed his admiration for the Red Bull driver, believing him to be the standout performer on the grid.
“If I had a Formula 1 team, I’d hire Verstappen,” said Fittipaldi. “Max would be my first guy to hire. I think Max is on a different level as a racing driver. Even when the car is not good, he just carries the car on his back.”
Verstappen’s Impressive Campaign Continues
Despite his title-winning streak set to end in 2025, Verstappen is having a remarkable season, currently sitting third in the championship standings. He has contributed 187 of Red Bull’s 194 points, showcasing an ability to consistently perform alongside his team-mates Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda.
The Red Bull Driver’s Dominance
Verstappen’s status as the best driver in F1 comes as he continues to defy expectations, even in challenging circumstances. His unique skill set allows him to maximise the car’s performance, often outperforming rivals and proving to be a vital asset for Red Bull Racing.
Rising Star: Gabriel Bortoleto
In another note about emerging talent, Fittipaldi has praised Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, who is making strides with the Sauber team. Making history as Brazil’s first full-time driver since Felipe Massa’s retirement in 2017, Bortoleto has quickly become a formidable competitor.
Strong Performances vs. Experienced Teammate
Bortoleto has been particularly impressive in recent races, having outqualified veteran Nico Hulkenberg in five consecutive qualifying sessions, including sprint events. After a challenging start to the season with no points in the first ten grands prix, he has turned his campaign around, securing points in four of the last races—with sixth in Hungary marking his best performance to date.
Fittipaldi’s Faith in Bortoleto
Fittipaldi believes the young driver’s rise is no surprise. “The last race was amazing; if you see where he was running with that Sauber, he did a fantastic performance in both qualifying and the race. It’s very impressive to see,” he remarked.
He attributes Bortoleto’s success to his solid foundation in karting and the valuable experience gained from racing alongside Hulkenberg, stating, “He is very quick; I think it helps Gabriel a lot to have a good reference.”
Conclusion: A Bright Future for F1
As Verstappen continues to solidify his legacy, Bortoleto represents the new wave of talent making its mark in Formula 1. With veterans like Fittipaldi endorsing these young stars, the future of F1 looks promising, filled with exciting prospects and fierce competition.
