The winner of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Max Verstappen, has shared his thoughts on today’s Formula 1 (and more…).
During the 2025 Italian GP weekend, Verstappen sat down with Mundo Deportivo for an exclusive interview, where he took part in a “quick test” to name the best drivers on the F1 grid across different qualities: qualifying, race pace, intelligence, overtaking, defending, mentality, and charisma. With one key rule: he couldn’t pick himself.
The four-time world champion didn’t hold back and gave clear opinions, with two names standing out as his top picks: Charles Leclerc and Fernando Alonso.
Max’s answers: who are the best?
- Best qualifier? “Uff, that’s a tough one, but I think right now… I’ve always considered Charles Leclerc a very good qualifier.”
- Best in the race? “I’ve always enjoyed, even in the past, watching Fernando race. He’s a true fighter. I really like that.”
- Smartest driver in a race? “Intelligence? I’d always rely on experience… I’d choose Fernando Alonso for his experience.”
- Best overtaker? “Charles Leclerc is also really good at overtaking.”
- Best defender? “Fernando Alonso! He’s brilliant in defense.”
- Best competitive mindset? “Fernando, without a doubt.”
- Most charismatic? “(Thinks for a few seconds) Honestly, it doesn’t matter. Not for driving an F1 car.”
- Best driver in F1 history? “For me it’s impossible to say. There have been so many great drivers, in different eras. I think it’s more important to simply appreciate all the great drivers that have ever existed.”
