Max Verstappen snubs both McLaren drivers when naming the best racer on the Formula 1 grid

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Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen has never been shy when offering his opinions in the Formula 1 paddock.

Although Max Verstappen can be extremely aggressive on the track, off it, he’s very fair in his assessment of those drivers around him.

Verstappen was quick to praise George Russell despite their ongoing rivalry after he won the Canadian Grand Prix this year.

Red Bull have been one of the biggest players in the F1 driver market this year as well, and Verstappen was clear that Liam Lawson was unfairly treated when he was dropped for Yuki Tsunoda after just two races.

Verstappen proved that he’s the fastest current driver on the grid with his victory at the Italian Grand Prix.

McLaren have a superior car in 2025, but when Red Bull are within touching distance of the Woking-based team, Verstappen is able to capitalise.

However, there are several aspects of racing in Formula 1 where Verstappen doesn’t think he’s the greatest.

He reserved special praise for Ferrari star Charles Leclerc and Aston Martin star Fernando Alonso when asked to rate his rivals on the grid.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Max Verstappen says Charles Leclerc is the best qualifier in F1 and Fernando Alonso is the best racer

Verstappen was taking part in an interview with Mundo Deportivo and was asked to nominate some of his fellow drivers for certain attributes.

Asked who the best qualifier is in F1, Verstappen said: “Gosh, that’s difficult, but I think currently… I’ve always considered Charles Leclerc to be a very good driver in qualifying.”

Verstappen added that Leclerc is ‘good at overtaking’ when asked who the best overtaker was.

Verstappen was then asked which is the best racer and continued: “Who do I like? I don’t know.

“I’ve always liked watching Fernando in the race, even in the past. He’s a real fighter. I really like that.”

When it came to race intelligence, the 27-year-old suggested: “Intelligence? I would always go for experience. No, I’m not going to name myself in any of this… so I would choose Fernando Alonso for his experience.”

Verstappen also called Alonso ‘brilliant at defending’ and thought he had the best competitive mindset on the grid.

The final question Verstappen was asked was about the best driver in F1 history, and the Dutchman gave a very diplomatic answer.

“For me, it’s impossible to say,” said Verstappen. “There are so many great drivers from different eras. I think it’s more important to simply appreciate all the great drivers that have ever existed.”

READ MORE: Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Charles Leclerc looking to do what Fernando Alonso never could at Ferrari

Alonso has had one of the most impressive careers in Formula 1 without the number of drivers’ championships he likely deserves.

It’s been 20 years since Alonso won his first title with Renault, and 19 years since he won his second and final Formula 1 championship.

The Spaniard’s time with Ferrari saw him finish second in the standings three times, with Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton pipping him on each occasion.

Now, Leclerc is hoping to end Ferrari’s long wait for a drivers’ championship, and his best bet looks to be in 2026 when F1’s regulations change.

Leclerc has also finished second in the championship while driving for Ferrari, although Verstappen was a long way clear of him in 2022.

The Dutchman rates both drivers very highly, and it says a lot that Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris and Hamilton don’t feature in any of his answers.

It might indicate who he thinks he’ll be fighting for the title next year if Red Bull, Aston Martin and Ferrari are all competitive.