Racing driver Agustin Canapino believes that soon-to-be three-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen’s isn’t the best driver in the world, with that accolade instead going to IndyCar Champion Alex Palou.
The interesting take comes after Palou recently claimed his second IndyCar title in three seasons, following a dominant display throughout 2023.
His dominance was in many ways Verstappen-esq, as he won the championship by 78 points.
The Chip Ganassi driver was supposed to join McLaren Racing over in America for 2024, with him keeping one eye on F1 having tested for the team before.
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However, he’s instead opted to remain with his current team, resulting in legal action by with Woking-based team.
He is the driver that everyone wants in IndyCar, with Canapino being convinced that he’s not only the best driver in the American single-seater series but in the world.
“Palou is outstanding because for me he is the best driver in the world, in my opinion,” Canapino told Fox Sports Argentina. “If he is not the best, he is among the three best.
“In my opinion, Palou is more complete than Verstappen. What Palou does in IndyCar for me is really like being an extraterrestrial. But it is a very subjective opinion.”
Canapino incredibly rates Palou higher than Verstappen, with him explaining that it’s because IndyCar drivers race on ovals.
Several F1 drivers have stated over the years that they wouldn’t like to compete on an oval because of how dangerous it is, something which Canapino seemingly thinks separates F1 drivers from IndyCar drivers.
Canapino does, of course, rate the current F1 championship leader and reigning World Champion very highly, but is certain Palou just has the edge over him.
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“Verstappen is another alien too,” Canapino continued.
“Don’t let Verstappen’s followers criticise me because I have Verstappen in limbo too but, for me, the fact of racing on ovals makes IndyCar drivers different because the oval is the absolute extreme and F1 doesn’t have that.
“That’s why, for me, a driver like Palou, who sets the standard difference in all types of circuits, in all types of disciplines, makes him an extraterrestrial.”