Luca di Montezemolo, the storied former Ferrari chairman who oversaw the Scuderia’s modern golden era, has offered emphatic praise of Max Verstappen, calling him “by far the best.” The Italian executive’s endorsement underscores the Dutchman’s sustained dominance and the aura he carries across the paddock—even among rival institutions.
Why Montezemolo’s view matters
As the architect behind Ferrari’s rise through the Schumacher years, Montezemolo’s opinion carries weight. His assessment reflects not just Verstappen’s speed, but a completeness—race management, consistency, relentlessness—that has defined title runs and left rivals grappling for answers.
The broader context
Verstappen’s performances continue to draw plaudits from figures with long memories of Formula 1’s greatest eras. Being compared favourably across generations places his current level in rarefied company—and suggests that even outside Red Bull, there’s a recognition of a benchmark driver reshaping the sport’s competitive reality.
