‘If I had an F1 workforce, I’d rent Verstappen’

Reigning four-time Method 1 world champion Max Verstappen may simply be essentially the most highly-rated present driver – and Emerson Fittipaldi clearly gained't disagree.

Double world champion Fittipaldi was requested by Autosport in an unique interview in regards to the Crimson Bull driver's present efficiency, and the Brazilian readily singled him out as the very best driver on the grid in his opinion.

“If I had a Method 1 workforce and if I had the choice to rent anyone, then I'd rent Max,” Fittipaldi mentioned. “Max could be my first man to rent.

“I feel Max is on a unique degree as a racing driver. Even when the automotive shouldn't be good, he simply carries the automotive on his again.”

Verstappen's title-winning streak is about to finish in 2025, however he's nonetheless having a remarkably spectacular marketing campaign, sitting third within the championship and having scored 187 of Crimson Bull's 194 factors alongside successive team-mates Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda.

Fittipaldi has additionally expressed its appreciation for Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, with the South American nation one of the crucial profitable in F1 historical past however Bortoleto its first full-time driver since Felipe Massa's retirement on the finish of the 2017 season.

Recently, Sauber driver Bortoleto has been a match for veteran team-mate Nico Hulkenberg, whom he has outqualified 5-0 within the newest 5 qualifying periods (dash included). After a point-less first 10 grands prix, Bortoleto scored factors within the final 4 rounds, with sixth place in Hungary his finest outcome up to now.

“I feel everyone is shocked, to be trustworthy,” Fittipaldi mentioned. “The final race was superb, for those who see the place he was operating with that Sauber. I feel he did a improbable efficiency, in each qualifying and the race. It's very spectacular to see.

“I've recognized him since he began racing in karting. He has all the time been an excellent driver, however I feel in Method 1, he is on the subsequent degree now.

“And in addition, we should not neglect Nico Hulkenberg. He's very fast; I feel it helps Gabriel loads to have a superb reference.”