Max Verstappen names the two best racers on the F1 grid and doesn't mention either McLaren driver
Published on Sep 15, 2025 at 9:25 AM (UTC+4)
by Keelin McNamara
Last updated on Sep 11, 2025 at 8:05 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
McLaren team member Max Verstappen is, without a doubt, one of the best F1 drivers of his generation.
As a matter of fact, some would argue that he is already the greatest driver of all time.
The reigning F1 champion was recently asked to name the two best drivers on the F1 grid.
And the Dutch star surprisingly chose to omit both McLaren drivers.
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Max Verstappen doesn’t mince his words – and omits McLaren
Fans of F1 will know that Max Verstappen doesn’t exactly mince his words in front of the mic.
The four-time Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship winner is, in many ways, the media’s dream.
And the Dutchman has only continued to serve in that capacity this season.
The Oracle Red Bull Racing driver recently offered some fascinating insight into his mindset.
He recently sat down for an interview with Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo.
During the course of the interview, Verstappen was asked to nominate drivers as the best in certain categories.
And his answers might very well surprise you – because neither McLaren driver made the cut.
Verstappen was first asked for his opinion on who the best qualifier in F1 currently is.
“Gosh, that’s difficult, but I think currently… I’ve always considered Charles Leclerc to be a very good driver in qualifying.”
The Dutchman also gave the Monegasque driver his flowers by noting how ‘good at overtaking’ the Scuderia Ferrari driver is.
Switching gears, the interview then saw Verstappen asked who the best overall driver on the F1 grid currently is.
“I’ve always liked watching Fernando [Alonso] in the race, even in the past. He’s a real fighter. I really like that.”
Verstappen also called Alonso ‘brilliant at defending’ and thought he had the best competitive mindset on the grid.
Dutchman dominates Monza, despite struggling in 2025
It says a lot that the reigning Drivers’ Championship holder didn’t include either of his McLaren rivals.
In fairness, it is the McLaren car that has been the source of Verstappen’s misery in 2025.
While Oracle Red Bull Racing has been struggling, the Zak Brown-led McLaren squad has thrived.
The McLaren MCL39 has proven to be the dominant car on the 2025 F1 grid.
It has also meant that the reigning champion, Verstappen, has been left floundering at times.
Of course, talent can’t be kept down for long – and nowhere was this more evident than at Monza.
Max Verstappen managed to make history in the course of dominating both Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
Not only did he complete the fastest average Grand Prix in history, but he also broke another record.
Clearly not getting paid overtime, Verstappen broke Michael Schumacher’s record for the quickest race.
Verstappen wasn’t hanging around, completing Sunday’s race in just 1:13:24.325s.
This broke the legendary Schumacher’s previous record of 1:14:19.838s.
What do you think of Max Verstappen’s comments? Is he right to have left both McLaren drivers out of his list?
Keelin McNamara is a content writer at Supercar Blondie from Ireland, covering cars, technology, and lifestyle. Despite being a Law graduate, he discovered his passion for journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked in the industry ever since. Outside of work, he is an avid MotoGP fan, and is a self-confessed addict of the sport.
