Spanish Grand Prix Practice Report: Rosberg Hails Verstappen
Nico Rosberg, the 2016 Formula 1 champion, has lauded Max Verstappen as the "driver of the year" during the initial practice sessions for the Spanish Grand Prix, recognizing his formidable performance throughout the season. On Sky Sports F1, Rosberg noted Verstappen’s clear potential to challenge for the drivers’ championship, emphasizing his dominating performance at Imola as indicative of his speed and skill.
“Max is still right in there… He’s driving incredibly well,” Rosberg remarked, highlighting Verstappen’s adeptness at navigating the circuit’s challenges, despite appearing slightly behind competitors in practice.
During the session, Rosberg analyzed the technical intricacies of the cars, describing them as “incredibly nervous on the rears.” He praised Verstappen’s ability to manage understeer and oversteer, noting, “It’s like a work of art out there.” This mastery separates Verstappen from his peers, particularly his Red Bull teammate Yuki Tsunoda.
Verstappen’s racecraft was a focal point of discussion, with Rosberg recalling his own encounters with the Dutch driver and commending his exceptional overtaking skills. “He’s just amazing in wheel-to-wheel racing,” Rosberg said, reflecting on Verstappen’s impressive move against Oscar Piastri at Imola, which he termed “one of the greatest overtaking moves we’ve ever seen.”
In the practice sessions, Verstappen recorded second-fastest in the first session, followed by a third-place finish in the second, trailing McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and George Russell. As the championship race tightens, Verstappen currently sits just 25 points behind leader Piastri, marking an intense season ahead as the teams gear up for a competitive race in Spain.
