Max Verstappen gets Rafa Nadal comparison as salt rubbed into Hamilton’s wounds
Max Verstappen wins third consecutive Formula One world championship
Max Verstappen has been compared to tennis superstar Rafael Nadal on clay after dominating his rivals once again this year to land his third consecutive F1 world title. The Red Bull ace secured his latest silverware after finishing second in Saturday’s sprint race in Qatar, with 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg insisting the Dutchman is close to becoming the greatest driver in history.
Following Verstappen’s triumph in the Middle East on Saturday, Sky Sports presenter Karun Chandhok gushed: “Imperious. That is what they (Red Bull) have been as a collective on [Verstappen’s] side of the garage. It’s not been plain-sailing for [Sergio] Perez.
“If you’re playing against Rafael Nadal at his peak on clay, whatever you do with the ball, it’s just going to come back to you. That’s what it’s like being team-mates with Verstappen.”
Despite his recent success, Verstappen still needs another four world titles to draw level with Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher at the top of the all-time title standings. The 26-year-old also trails five-time champion Juan Manuel Fangio and four-time winners Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel in the overall pecking order.
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Hamilton is regarded as one of the best drivers to have ever competed in F1 thanks to his dominance throughout the previous decade. But the Mercedes ace has struggled on the track since new regulations were introduced ahead of last season. And his former Silver Arrows team-mate Rosberg has rubbed salt into the Briton’s wounds with his latest comments about Verstappen.
“It’s unbelievable the run of form he’s had and the level that he’s driving at, the records he’s beating,” Rosberg said as he spoke about the champion. “Unreal. He’s even getting close to those five greatest of all time now. It’s spectacular. With the way he’s driving he’s getting close to the Fangios, Schumachers, [Ayrton] Sennas and Hamiltons.
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“It’s so motivating for those within team Red Bull to know they’ve got one of the greatest drivers of all time driving their machine. It’s such an uplifting thing and that’s what is driving them.”
Verstappen finished second to Piastri in the Sprint race. And after securing yet another title, he said: “Of course it’s a fantastic feeling, it’s been an incredible year and [there were] lots of great races and I feel super proud, and super proud of the job of the team. It’s been so enjoyable to be part of that group of people and to be three-time world champion is just incredible.”
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