Max Verstappen Believed to Rate Two F1 Rivals Above the Rest

Max Verstappen Believed to Rate Two F1 Rivals Above the Rest highlights how the four-time champion views his main challenges and how upcoming talent could reshape title dynamics. In an appearance on The Race F1 podcast, Viaplay commentator Nelson Valkenburg relayed that Verstappen—described as setting the benchmark even when conditions are difficult—rates two drivers alongside himself: Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Antonelli. Valkenburg suggested Antonelli’s rise and the “realization” linked to Toto Wolff could keep Verstappen in Formula 1 longer than he initially anticipated. The discussion points to Hamilton’s race craft and experience, despite no longer being at his peak, as a continuing threat. It also frames Antonelli as a highly hyped replacement for Hamilton at Mercedes after a single season in F2, who, after a rough rookie year, is now presented as a title favorite in 2026.