International Media Hails Verstappen as 'Undisputedly the Best' After Brazil Comeback

International media outlets are in agreement: while Lando Norris secured a significant victory in Brazil, Max Verstappen, despite starting from the back, reaffirmed his status as the premier driver on the Formula 1 grid. His remarkable comeback through the field underscored his unparalleled skill and determination.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen's ability to consistently perform at an elite level, even when facing significant adversity like a back-of-the-grid start, highlights his dominance in Formula 1. This narrative is crucial as it shapes perceptions of driver skill and championship contention, even in races where he doesn't win. For Red Bull, it reinforces confidence in their lead driver, while for competitors, it signals the immense challenge of overcoming his raw talent.

The details:

• Marca (Spain): Acknowledged Norris's strong performance but emphasized Verstappen's skill, stating, "He continues to prove that he is the best driver in the world. Undisputedly." They highlighted his comeback attempt, even if it lost momentum.
• La Gazzetta dello Sport (Italy): Awarded Verstappen an impressive 8.5 rating, describing him as a "monster" for his "usual grit, speed, and spectacular overtaking moves" despite starting from the back and suffering a puncture. They noted rookie Kimi Antonelli's defense against him in the final laps.
• De Telegraaf (Netherlands): Praised Verstappen's comeback, quoting his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, who said Verstappen "had driven like a race winner." Even race winner Lando Norris reportedly stated that Verstappen was likely the fastest man on the track.
• Esto (Mexico): Showered the reigning world champion with praise, emphasizing his "comeback that only geniuses can achieve" after starting 19th from the pit lane due to engine adjustments following a Q1 elimination.
• Hamilton's Performance: La Gazzetta dello Sport rated Lewis Hamilton a 5 out of 10, suggesting he "messed up a bit on the weekend," indicating a challenging performance for the seven-time world champion in Brazil.

The big picture:

Verstappen's consistent ability to recover from setbacks and demonstrate superior race pace continues to set him apart. Even without a win, his performance in Brazil cemented his reputation as the benchmark driver. This strengthens his position within Red Bull and sends a clear message to rivals that even a compromised starting position might not be enough to truly keep him out of contention for top spots.

What's next:

With only a few races remaining in the season, Verstappen's continued dominant performances, even in non-winning scenarios, will keep the pressure on his rivals. His ability to turn a challenging weekend into a podium finish suggests that while the championship fight may be intensifying for others, his individual prowess remains unmatched, making him a perennial threat in every upcoming Grand Prix, regardless of qualifying results.