2023 F1 World Drivers Champion Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks to the media in the Paddock after the Sprint ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar at Lusail International Circuit on October 07, 2023 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

F1: Verstappen compared to Hamilton and Schumacher by Rosberg

2016 F1 Champion Nico Rosberg, the only Lewis Hamilton teammate to beat him, calls Max Verstappen’s 3 consecutive F1 titles historic.

“It’s unbelievable, the run of form he’s had. And the level that he’s driving at, the records he’s beating – 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, Sennas and Hamiltons.

“It’s so motivating for those within team Red Bull to know that they have 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.”

Naomi Schiff said: “If you look at Sergio Perez’s season so far and the gap between him and Verstappen, yes it’s a competitive car, but the question is: how much is Verstappen able to extract out of that car that maybe another driver wouldn’t have been able to do?

“So as much as it is a strong car, I think Verstappen’s doing fantastic things in it.”

Rosberg says Perez is in a “horrible situation”.

Rosberg told Sky Sports: “I was watching Checo there and his interview, and you can see how it’s just not fun at all. Similar to Lance stroll.

“It’s proper suffering to be in that position because you don’t know what you’re doing wrong, your teammate is going so much faster with the same car.

“Everybody’s watching you. Social media is so critical, you know memes and everything, and it’s really a horrible situation to be in.”

Sergio Perez of Mexico
A totally defeated Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool