Max Verstappen

Is Verstappen the best driver in F1? One rival isn't so sure...

Matthew Scott Monday 22 July 2019 12:27

Renault driver Nico Hulkenberg would not commit when asked if Max Verstappen is the best driver in Formula 1 currently – a theory raised by Red Bull boss Christian Horner.

Verstappen has outperformed his teammate like no other driver on the grid so far this year, outscoring Pierre Gasly by 81 points to sit third in the drivers' standings.

The Dutchman is also the only non-Mercedes driver to secure a race win so far this year, thanks to his epic comeback drive in Austria.

Even in his less-heralded outings, Verstappen is generally accepted to have gotten more than the maximum out of his RB15 this year, but Hulkenberg says picking an outright best is difficult.

"It is always hard to say because I am very inside this team and my view is very limited because I care for myself and Renault," Hulkenberg said.

"I see all the details inside this team. I don't pay much attention to what other people do on their race weekend.

GPFans F1 Driver Ratings: Who's top at halfway stage of 2019?Read more

"But looking across the board and his runs so far this year he has done pretty well.

“Of course we are all selfish and like to think that we are the best. You do kind of need that attitude and thinking to stay sharp and good.

"[But] you pay respect when a colleague drives a great race or a great qualifying lap."

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Is Verstappen the best driver in F1? One rival isn't so sure...

Is Verstappen the best driver in F1? One rival isn't so sure...