Press about the blatant superiority
“Verstappen, an alien in Formula 1”
08/29/2022, 11:18 am
Max Verstappen races ahead, then nobody comes for a long time. The world champion is so dominant in his Red Bull that the fight for the title in Formula 1 is no longer one. The press appreciates the Dutchman and paints a depressing picture for all other racing teams.
Great Britain
“Daily Mirror”: “It was a nightmare afternoon for Lewis Hamilton, who started fourth (…). He was one place behind his old rival Fernando Alonso. The Briton was left behind when the two veterans collided on the first lap.”
“The Sun”: “Let’s hand over the trophy now. There’s no point in dragging it out and waiting for the end of the season. Max Verstappen has (the World Championship) in the bag – and we still have eight races to go.”
“Daily Mail”: “Max Verstappen won the Belgian Grand Prix from 14th on the grid – not just his ninth win of the season, but a one-sided annihilation.”
“The Guardians”: “Formula 1 has delivered some great races this season, but this one at Spa-Francorchamps was an afternoon that only Verstappen will savor. Still, it was significant on two levels. Verstappen, who is at the forefront of the title fight, has driven his rivals to despair with his pace and control, but the weekend could not end quickly enough for Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes, who are struggling to find their way back to a competitive pace.”
“Telegraph”: “This season is as good as over – at least as far as the title fight is concerned. Max Verstappen achieved one of the most impressive victories in modern times in Belgium. A devastating performance.”
Netherlands
“The Volkskrant”: “Verstappen packs a punch at Spa-Francorchamps. At times it seemed like he was the only one in a Formula 1 car, while the rest had to settle for an entry-level model.”
“AD”: “Max Verstappen carefree to Zandvoort. After Verstappen’s unprecedented demonstration in Belgium, the competition throws in the towel.”
France
“Le Monde”: “His Red Bull gives him wings. After showing excellent pace all weekend and setting the fastest time in qualifying, Max Verstappen once again gave the impression at Spa that it was easy for him.”
“L’Equipe”: “Red Bull’s perfect race, Hamilton’s failure.”
Italy
Gazzetta dello Sport: “It is difficult to describe Verstappen’s masterpiece at the Belgian Grand Prix. The Dutchman eliminates all rivals like a juggler. All competitors seemed to be driving Formula 2 cars. Verstappen is a hurricane that Ferrari must also capitulate to.”
“Corriere dello Sport”: “Verstappen is a rocket that flies heavenly over the Spa circuit. No hesitation, no mistakes. His RB18 is the perfect combination of aerodynamic efficiency and the power of the power unit, which with Verstappen’s talent becomes an invincible mix.”
“Corriere della Sera”: “The fight for the world title is over. The superiority of the Verstappen/Red Bull combination is so enormous that Ferrari can only resign.”
“La Republica”: “Verstappen, an alien in Formula 1. From afar, he observes the struggle for survival of his hopeless competitors.”
Spain
“Marca”: “Verstappen’s powerful comeback, with Sainz on the podium and Alonso fifth.”
“Ace”: “It was the almost perfect starting grid, Carlos Sainz first and Fernando Alonso third, every Spanish Formula 1 fan’s dream. But one of them crashed into reality, Red Bull’s enormous superiority and Ferrari’s lousy racing pace; and the other crashed into Hamilton.”
“Sports”: “Verstappen is irrepressible. Verstappen is in another galaxy.”
“El Mundo Deportivo”: “Verstappen and Red Bull are in a different league. They’re flattening Ferrari. An insulting superiority in Red Bull’s one-two in Belgium. The judgment of the world title will be carried out very soon.”