Nico Rosberg Hails Max Verstappen as One of F1's All-Time Greats After Monza Pole

Nico Rosberg Crowns Max Verstappen One of F1's All-Time Greats After Monza Pole

Why it matters: Former F1 world champion Nico Rosberg has unequivocally placed Max Verstappen among the top five greatest drivers in Formula 1 history. His comments come after Verstappen delivered a "magic" performance at Monza, securing pole position with a record-breaking lap.

The big picture: Verstappen's qualifying lap at the "Temple of Speed" was not just a pole-winning effort, but also set a new F1 record for the fastest lap ever recorded by average speed.

• His lap time of 1:18.792 averaged an astonishing 264.7 kph (164.47 mph).
• This feat surpassed the previous record held by Lewis Hamilton, also achieved at Monza in 2020.

The details: Rosberg, speaking on Sky Sports F1, expressed his disbelief at Verstappen's ability, stating, "We know he's one of the five greatest F1 drivers of all time. He's right up there and drives like today just prove that." He added that he didn't believe the Red Bull car was inherently "worthy to be on pole position in that way," but Verstappen "just pulled out the magic in the last moment." Rosberg specifically highlighted Verstappen's perfect laps under the highest pressure in Q3 as evidence of his extraordinary talent.