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Verstappen the best by far, says ex-Ferrari boss
The Straits Times
|September 28, 2025
Former Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo would hire Max Verstappen without hesitation if still at the helm of the Italian Formula One team and given a free choice of drivers.
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Speaking after the premiere in London of Luca: Seeing Red on Sept 25, a documentary about his life and career, the 78-year-old had no doubt about Red Bull's four-time world champion.
“Today I have to say, for me, Verstappen is by far the No. 1,” said the Italian. “Even in the last race in Baku, difficult conditions, he never lost control. He was always quick. He never makes mistakes. (Carlos) Sainz and (Charles) Leclerc was a very good (Ferrari) couple. But no question, Verstappen is by far the best in my view. By far.”
Montezemolo did not mention seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, Sainz's replacement alongside Leclerc who is yet to stand on the podium for his new employers - unlike Sainz who was third for Williams in Baku on Sept 21 while Verstappen won. He did not reference current boss Fred Vasseur either.
This story is from the September 28, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
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