“Without any doubt”
Ecclestone chooses very big words for Verstappen
October 6, 2023, 8:55 a.m
Formula 1 dominator Max Verstappen will win his third world championship title in a row this weekend, there is no reasonable doubt about that. Bernie Ecclestone, one of the most important figures in the racing series, ennobles the Red Bull driver in a special way.
For Bernie Ecclestone, Max Verstappen is the best Formula 1 driver there has ever been. In an interview, the former managing director of the premier motorsport class for decades explained that he always thought that Alain Prost was probably the best driver because back then the driving was still without any help, in contrast to the current Formula 1. “But if you think about it “Forgets, Max is without a doubt the best I’ve seen – and everyone else has seen too,” emphasized the 92-year-old Briton: “He’s a complete racing driver.”
Verstappen is on the verge of his third world title in a row. This weekend in Qatar, just three points are enough for the Dutchman to be crowned again – just a few days after his 26th birthday last Saturday. A sixth place in the sprint on Saturday (7.30 p.m./Sky) is enough to successfully defend the title. “He starts the race and wants to win it, he doesn’t do anything else,” said Ecclestone. “He doesn’t make any mistakes, he doesn’t do anything, he doesn’t take any liberties.” Even if a few people would try to make Verstappen’s life difficult, he doesn’t do that to others. “He drives honestly and fairly,” said Ecclestone.
Verstappen will be the eleventh driver to win at least three titles if nothing unforeseen happens. Former driver Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes are at the top with seven triumphs each. An end to Verstappen’s title series is not necessarily in sight given his superiority in Red Bull and the next major rule reform in 2026. “Even in a car that isn’t the best, Max would beat a lot of people. He’s a superstar,” said Ecclestone: “There has never been anyone as good as Max is today.”