Former F1 Team Principal Franz Tost Declares Max Verstappen the Best Driver, Praises Antonelli's Rise

Former Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost has made it clear: Max Verstappen is the best driver in Formula 1, and the gap to the rest is "very clear." The Austrian, who oversaw Verstappen's F1 debut in 2015, also offered high praise for rookie Kimi Antonelli, calling the 19-year-old's start to the 2026 season "sensational."

Why it matters:

Tost's endorsement carries weight given his decades of experience and direct involvement with Verstappen's early career. His ranking of the current driver hierarchy — with Antonelli surging into the top tier after just five races — signals a potential shift in the sport's competitive order, especially as Antonelli leads the championship by 43 points.

The details:

• Verstappen's status: Tost, speaking on the 15 Love - der Business podcast, said Verstappen is "currently the best driver in Formula 1" and that it is "very clear."
• Antonelli's breakout: The Italian has won four consecutive races for Mercedes, building a commanding lead in the drivers' standings. Tost noted how "controlled" and "overviewed" Antonelli drives, calling him "already among the new superstars."
• The rest of the pack: Tost ranked Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris next, with Charles Leclerc behind them. This places Antonelli ahead of experienced contenders after just five rounds.

Between the lines:

Tost's comments reflect a growing consensus that Antonelli's maturity and racecraft are exceptional for a driver with limited experience. While Verstappen remains the benchmark — a four-time champion at 28 — the 19-year-old's composure under pressure suggests a new rivalry is forming. Tost's direct comparison to Norris and Piastri also implies that Antonelli has already leapfrogged some established stars.

What's next:

The championship battle will now focus on whether Antonelli can sustain his form against Verstappen's expected resurgence. With the next race at a circuit that historically favors Red Bull, the dynamic could shift quickly. Tost's assessment, however, leaves little doubt about who he believes is leading the sport into its next chapter.