Emerson Fittipaldi shares why he thinks Max Verstappen is a step above all of his Formula 1 rivals

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Max Verstappen’s slender 2025 Formula 1 title hopes could be over after the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix.

The Dutchman is in good form and coming off the back of one of the most impressive performances of his career so far in Sao Paulo. He did what he needed to keep Red Bull in a title fight.

Up against the might of McLaren, it feels like an unlikely prospect with three races to go, and a 49-point deficit in the drivers’ championship.

Verstappen has staged a heroic comeback since the summer break, but it seems that he lost too many points earlier in the season.

After making his debut nearly 10 years ago, Verstappen says ‘not everyone’ at Red Bull was convinced that he was ready to make the step up.

Since then, he has more than proven he was capable, but fans didn’t think Verstappen’s drive was the best of 2025 in Brazil. That was despite starting from the pit lane.

READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton snubs Max Verstappen when naming the best Formula 1 driver he’s ever raced against

Emerson Fittipaldi thinks Max Verstappen is ‘technically’ a level above ‘everyone else’

Laurent Mekies says Verstappen is Red Bull’s ‘best sensor’ and his feedback has helped to lead them into a position to contend again in 2025.

A big part of modern Formula 1 is making sure that the future is taken care of. Next year, Red Bull will have their own power units for the first time ever.

The 2026 F1 regulations are some of the biggest changes in the history of the championship, and Verstappen might just have a big advantage over his opponents.

Brazilian champion Emerson Fittipaldi has told Infobae how he thinks that Verstappen is ‘technically’ a level above all of his competitors.

“It’s difficult, but in my opinion, it’s Verstappen because technically I think he’s a little bit above everyone else,” he said. “Last year, he started 16th and won here in the rain. Impressive.”

READ MORE: Max Verstappen might rue Red Bull making one Brazilian GP strategy call as his F1 title hopes fade

Why Max Verstappen cannot be counted out of the 2025 F1 title fight yet

There have been cautionary tales in the past which suggest that Verstappen should not be counted out of the title race until he cannot achieve it mathematically.

In 2007, Kimi Raikkonen came from 17 points behind with two races to go and won (back when 10 points were awarded for a victory).

Verstappen needs a similar miracle over the next few weeks, but a retirement could change everything. The tide can turn instantly.

Red Bull took a ‘huge risk’ with Verstappen by replacing his engine in Sao Paulo. Now, he gets a fresh one for the remainder of the season.