Max Verstappen is on the cusp of a fourth straight F1 title (Image: Getty Images)
Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft has lauded Max Verstappen as a “genius” and “one of the best drivers to race in Formula One” as the Dutchman sets his sights on winning the title at the Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend.
Verstappen is preparing to clinch his fourth consecutive world championship on Sunday, knowing that he only needs to outperform rival to secure his latest victory.
Despite Norris’ valiant efforts throughout the season, the British driver has confessed that he “wasn’t ready” to go head-to-head with the star, requiring three more points than Verstappen just to keep the championship hopes alive.
Croft, the renowned voice of F1, believes Verstappen deserves more recognition for an outstanding season, even without having the fastest car.
He predicts that Verstappen will clinch the title in Vegas, stating that the “phenomenal” driver should receive the accolades if he does so.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our
“If he wins in Vegas again, as he did last year, and goes on then to win the title, brilliant. Well done , what a fantastic performance,” he commented on Sky Sports’ F1 Podcast.
“And to be world champion in a year where he’s clearly not in the fastest car, it’s a brilliant, brilliant season.
“He is a phenomenal driver. Let’s just spend a minute or so saying [that] [is a] genius driver, fantastic world champion, deserves to be a four-time world champion, and – if he’s got the car next year that can compete – will surely be a five-time world champion in the making.”
“One of the best drivers ever to race in Formula One and we should not let anything else detract from that. I think he will win it in Vegas, I think it will be done and dusted there and what better place to hit the jackpot than in Sin City?”
David Croft is a massive fan of Max Verstappen’s (Image: Getty Images)
Norris said of his championship chances on Thursday: “I probably wasn’t outright ready to go up against and Max. I think I am now now. But it’s probably too late. Max is one of the best drivers ever in F1.
“To go up against that person who is so good takes a bit more than what I have done this season. But since the summer break it is close to what it should be.
“I was definitely not at the level I need to be at the beginning of the year. Since the summer break, I feel I’ve done a very good job and performed very well, by far some of my best performances.
“I am not completely happy with what I’ve done but for the first time I feel I have got what it takes to fight for the championship.”