Nico Rosberg has delivered an emphatic assessment of Max Verstappen’s performances, describing the four-time Formula 1 world champion as the best driver on the grid and backing him as the favourite for the 2026 title. Following consecutive victories in Malaysia and Singapore, the Red Bull driver has revived his championship challenge and reinforced the former Mercedes driver’s belief in his exceptional ability.
The last two races have significantly changed the complexion of the championship. Although Nico Rosberg has repeatedly praised Max Verstappen in recent years, Red Bull’s recent resurgence has given him another reason to highlight the Dutchman’s talent. In his view, whenever Max Verstappen has a car capable of winning, he continues to make a greater difference than anyone else.
Nico Rosberg explains why Max Verstappen remains F1’s best driver
Assessing Red Bull’s improvement over recent weeks, Nico Rosberg identified Max Verstappen’s driving ability as the decisive factor. The former Mercedes driver believes the four-time world champion has simply returned to doing what he does best now that his car is consistently competitive enough to fight for victories.
“Max Verstappen is still the best driver in this category. The moment he has a car that gives him even the slightest opportunity to win and dominate, he doesn’t need asking twice: he’s a phenomenon.”
For Nico Rosberg, the contrast between Max Verstappen and his Red Bull team-mate makes the Dutchman’s achievements even more remarkable. The German believes the difference in their performances demonstrates just how much the reigning Red Bull star can extract from the machinery at his disposal.
“We saw it clearly again this weekend: it’s incredible what he manages to extract from the car. Just look at where his team-mate finished, because he was miles away this weekend.”
These comments underline why Nico Rosberg continues to regard Max Verstappen as the benchmark against which the rest of the Formula 1 grid should be measured. The Dutchman is not a driver who settles for what he has, and even during difficult periods, his ability to make a difference has helped Red Bull recover its competitiveness.
That recovery has also been reflected in the team’s recent technical progress. Red Bull’s improvement has transformed its prospects, with the development of the RB22 and Max Verstappen’s performances playing an important role in the turnaround.
Red Bull’s resurgence transforms Max Verstappen’s championship prospects
Red Bull’s victories in Malaysia and Singapore have dramatically strengthened its driver’s championship ambitions. After a more challenging opening phase of the 2026 Formula 1 season, Max Verstappen has collected 58 points across the last two race weekends, exceeding his total from the first seven races of the year.
The change in momentum has been particularly significant because it has allowed Max Verstappen to re-establish himself as a leading contender for the world championship. His latest victory also marked another notable achievement, as the Dutchman completed an impressive Formula 1 circuit record with his Singapore triumph.
For Nico Rosberg, the recent performances are further evidence of the extraordinary level Max Verstappen can reach when Red Bull provides him with a competitive package.
“It’s something monstrous, and it’s really a pleasure to watch him race like this.”
The former world champion believes the combination of Red Bull’s improved form and Max Verstappen’s ability has fundamentally altered the outlook for the closing stages of the season.
Nico Rosberg names Max Verstappen the F1 title favourite over Kimi Antonelli
Nico Rosberg’s assessment extends beyond individual performances. The German now considers Max Verstappen the leading candidate to win the 2026 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship, despite the strong campaign enjoyed by Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
“Clearly, he is now the big favourite for the remainder of the season,” Nico Rosberg explained.
He then delivered an equally decisive assessment of Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s prospects in the championship battle.
“Antonelli can no longer catch him.”
It is a striking prediction given Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s achievements during the season and the importance of the points accumulated by Mercedes. The Italian has been a central figure in the championship fight, with his Singapore podium and championship position highlighting the scale of his campaign.
Nevertheless, Nico Rosberg believes the recent shift in competitive performance has made Max Verstappen the driver to beat. Although the championship is not mathematically decided, the former Mercedes world champion sees Red Bull’s momentum as a decisive factor heading into the remaining races.
Why Red Bull’s recovery could also matter for the 2027 F1 season
The significance of Red Bull’s improvement extends beyond the immediate championship battle. After struggling during the earlier part of the campaign, the team has found a direction that has allowed it to revive its project and return to contention for victories.
Max Verstappen’s ability to capitalise on those improvements has reinforced Nico Rosberg’s conviction that the Dutchman remains Formula 1’s outstanding performer. His recent results have not only restored his title ambitions but also demonstrated how quickly the competitive picture can change when a team makes progress with its car.
For Red Bull, that turnaround represents an encouraging sign for the future. The progress achieved during the final part of 2026 could provide an important foundation for the following season, potentially establishing the team as one of the main contenders in the 2027 World Championship.
With the 2026 Formula 1 championship standings remaining central to the title battle, Nico Rosberg’s verdict is clear: Max Verstappen has returned to the level that has defined his career, and Red Bull has once again given him the opportunity to demonstrate it.
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