Max Verstappen’s remarkable 2023 title campaign continues to draw admiration from his fellow competitors, including seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.
With Verstappen on the cusp of securing his third consecutive drivers’ championship title, the Formula 1 community is effusive in its praise for the Red Bull star.
Hamilton, who engaged in a dramatic title battle with Verstappen in 2021, seldom finds himself in the position to laud his rival’s achievements.
However, he couldn’t help but acknowledge Verstappen’s excellence in the current season.
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“He’s definitely not had to do any defending for this one,” Hamilton told Sky Sports F1.
“But he’s done an exceptional job, you know he’s been faultless, and no one can take that away from him.”
Charles Leclerc echoed Hamilton’s sentiments regarding the Dutch driver’s performance.
“He’s had another incredible season where he’s been there in every condition on every track,” Leclerc noted.
“Yes, they have the best car, but he’s truly an exceptional driver and he just deserves it because he’s the one driving the best out there at the moment.”
Carlos Sainz, who managed to secure a victory this season as the only non-Red Bull driver to do so, expressed his desire for more intense competition with Verstappen in the future.
“I just wish we can get closer to him next season and challenge him and put him a bit more under pressure because we cannot let him get away with it so easily as it’s been recently for him,” Sainz stated, emphasising the importance of pushing Verstappen to his limits.
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Even Formula 1 legend Fernando Alonso, a driver who knows what it takes to secure multiple world championships, couldn’t help but pay tribute to Verstappen’s incredible accomplishments.
“Breaking so many records, of consecutive victories and other things. Big congratulations to him,” Alonso acknowledged.
“On Saturday you will ask me the same question, and I will congratulate him again. It was an excellent season.”