Kimi Raikkonen: Max Verstappen is F1's best driver, a 'star' born in 2016

Kimi Raikkonen, the 2007 world champion and Ferrari's last title winner, has no doubts: Max Verstappen is the best driver in Formula 1. In a rare interview, 'The Iceman' pointed to Verstappen's stunning victory on his Red Bull debut at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix as the moment a 'star was born'.

Why it matters:

Raikkonen's endorsement carries weight as one of the sport's most respected champions. Verstappen has since won four consecutive titles (2021-2024) and came within two points of a fifth in 2025, earning recognition from peers and team bosses alike.

The details:

• Raikkonen witnessed Verstappen's first win up close – finishing just 0.6s behind the then-18-year-old in his Ferrari.
• "Max is phenomenal. He won his first race in Spain right in front of me, ten years ago. That's when I realised a star was born," said Raikkonen.
• Verstappen's trajectory from that day: maiden win, then four championships, and a near-miss fifth in 2025.

Between the lines:

Raikkonen's praise subtly highlights Ferrari's long championship drought – the Scuderia hasn't won a drivers' title since 2007. He left the team in 2018 and expressed hope they'd find his successor soon. With Lewis Hamilton now at Ferrari and Charles Leclerc pushing, the team aims to end the wait, but Mercedes has started 2026 strong.

What's next:

Verstappen remains the benchmark. As F1 heads deeper into 2026, his battle with Hamilton (now at Ferrari) and others will define the season. Raikkonen's seal of approval only adds to the narrative – a reminder of the moment a star was born a decade ago.