Max Verstappen "like Rafael Nadal on clay" as Nico Rosberg makes F1 GOAT claim

08 October 2023 , 09:41

455     0

Max Verstappen secured the 2023 F1 drivers' world title on Saturday (Image: Getty Images)

Former F1 champion Nico Rosberg believes Max Verstappen has already established himself as one of the greatest of all time after the Red Bull driver clinched another world title.

Verstappen became a three-time champion on Saturday night after finishing second in the Qatar Grand Prix Sprint. Aged just 26, Verstappen is firmly on course to shatter the record number of world title wins (seven) which is currently held by Lewis Hamilton and the legendary Michael Schumacher.

But Rosberg is convinced that Verstappen is already closing in on the legends of the sport. Speaking to Sky Sports, Rosberg - who won the world title back in 2016 - said: "It's really historic. It's unbelievable the run of form he's had and the level that he's driving at, the records he's beating. Unreal.

"He's even getting close to those five greatest of all time now. It's spectacular. With the way he's driving he's getting close to the Fangios, Schumachers, Sennas and Hamiltons.

"It's so motivating for those within team Red Bull to know they've got one of the greatest drivers of all time driving their machine. It's such an uplifting thing and that's what is driving them."

Sebastian Vettel warns of looming F1 ban and is "very worried about the future"

Sky Sports' Karun Chandhok went one further by likening Verstappen to tennis icon Rafael Nadal on clay. The Spaniard has a remarkable record on his favoured surface, winning 14 Grand Slam titles in total on clay.

"Imperious. That is what they have been as a collective on [Verstappen's] side of the garage," said Chandhok following Verstappen's latest title triumph. "It's not been plain-sailing for [Sergio] Perez.

"If you're playing against Rafael Nadal at his peak on clay, whatever you do with the ball, it's just going to come back to you. That's what it's like being team-mates with Verstappen."

Verstappen hinted he and Red Bull were hungry for further success after wrapping up the title before Sunday's Qatar Grand Prix. He said: "It's a fantastic feeling. It's been an incredible year with a lot of great races.

"Of course I'm super proud, but also super proud of the job of the team. It's just been so enjoyable to be part of that group of people. To be a three-time world champion is just incredible.

"Today was an exciting race – it was a bit of a shame [to have] the safety cars but, overall, yeah it was good, it was fun out there. I'm incredibly happy at the moment.

"We'll keep on pushing and try to do the best we can. We'll just see what happens. I'm enjoying the moment and hopefully we can keep this momentum going for a while."

Dan Marsh