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Rosberg: Verstappen remains F1’s best despite Antonelli praise

Archive photograph: Max Verstappen · 2024-08-25Archive photo · 2024-08-25 · Steffen Prößdorf · CC BY-SA 4.0

The 2016 champion praises Kimi Antonelli’s consistency and says he has earned the title, but still rates Max Verstappen as Formula 1’s best driver.

From the GPBeat newsroomPublished · · 1 min

Speaking to Sky DE, Nico Rosberg said Max Verstappen remains Formula 1’s best driver, even as the 2016 world champion praised Kimi Antonelli’s run towards a first title.

Rosberg said Antonelli was the only driver consistently at the front; all the others, in his assessment, made mistakes and alternated between fast and slower spells. He called the Italian’s 2026 form world-class and compared its level with Michael Schumacher’s.

Rosberg said nobody had expected Antonelli to perform so brilliantly in 2026 after a difficult 2025 debut season. Antonelli had a 102-point lead over George Russell and was set to have his first chance to clinch the championship at the United States Grand Prix. Rosberg said Antonelli had deserved the title.

Sources 01
  1. SOURCENico Rosberg drukt eervolle stempel op Max VerstappenRacingNews365 Nederland