Why it matters
Emerson Fittipaldi Jr., son of two-time F1 world champion Emerson Fittipaldi Sr., has declared Max Verstappen the best and most complete driver in Formula 1. This endorsement from a young driver from a racing dynasty highlights Verstappen's current dominance and broad skill set.
The big picture
Fittipaldi Jr. previously supported Lewis Hamilton but switched his allegiance to Verstappen during the dramatic 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, desiring the Dutchman to win the championship. This shift underscores how Verstappen's performances have captivated even those from established racing backgrounds.
The details
- In an interview with Motorsport.com Brazil, Fittipaldi Jr. stated, "Now it's cool to see Max as, for me, he is the best driver in F1. I think he's the most complete. You can put him in any car, in any category, and he'll always go very fast."
- He cited Verstappen's undercover test at the Nürburgring as 'Franz Hermann', where the Red Bull Racing driver set a lap record in a Ferrari 296 GT3, despite never having driven the circuit physically before. Fittipaldi Jr. noted the importance of simulator training, which Verstappen heavily utilizes.
What's next
Fittipaldi Jr. himself is an active racer, competing in the Eurocup-3 Series and set to join Formula 2 next season with the AIX team. His perspective as a rising talent adds weight to his assessment of Verstappen.