Max Verstappen was asked to choose the best F1 drivers on the grid across four different parameters: overtaking, defense, racecraft and mentality. Here’s what came out of it.
In recent weeks, Max Verstappen has received a wave of praise after his dominant victory at the Italian Grand Prix, finishing nearly 20 seconds clear of the two McLarens and earning recognition from many as one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history.
But who does he consider the best drivers from his own perspective?
The four-time world champion, sitting down for an interview with El Mundo Deportivo, took part in a game where he had to identify the best driver from different perspectives.
Verstappen picks Alonso and Leclerc multiple times
The first question focused on who he believes is the best qualifier, to which Verstappen replied: ''It's hard, but I think currently... I have always Charles Leclerc considered a very good driver in qualifying.''
The Monegasque is renowned for his ability to consistently extract the maximum in qualifying and push beyond the limits of the car, as evidenced by his 27 pole positions compared to just 8 race wins.
When it came to the best driver in race conditions, the Dutchman made a different choice this time: ''I have always liked it, also in the past, to see Fernando in the race. He is a real fighter. I like that a lot.''
Verstappen once again chose Alonso when it came to race intelligence: ''I would always go for experience. No I'm not going to name myself in any of this. Therefore, I would choose Fernando Alonso for his experience.''
The Dutchman also named the Spaniard twice more, citing him as the best in terms of defence and competitive mentality, while Leclerc was highlighted again as one of the best in overtaking.
Finally, when asked who the greatest driver in F1 history is, Verstappen chose not to take a definitive stance: ''For me, it's impossible to say. There are so many great drivers, from different eras. I think it's more important to just appreciate everyone the good drivers that have ever existed.''
Popular on GPBlog
Rosberg: Verstappen top 5 in history of all time greats after Monza win
'Wolff expressed it best after the race: Max Verstappen made the difference'
Tsunoda reveals the ‘one’ factor that will decide his Red Bull future
