Patrese expects Verstappen to be hard to beat for F1 runner-up spot

Max Verstappen started the Brazilian Grand Prix from 21st after a grid penalty and finished second. Former F1 driver Riccardo Patrese says Verstappen now has a better chance of finishing second in the championship and will be difficult to beat over the final three races if he maintains his current form.

Patrese pointed to Verstappen’s presence at the front of the field in the previous three or four races and to a car that, in his view, seems considerably better than before. Verstappen won in Malaysia, Singapore and Mexico before Brazil.

Patrese also grouped Verstappen with Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher, saying all three could make the difference and win races without the best car.