08/09/2025 08:20
Nico Rosberg has hailed Max Verstappen's "magic" performance at the
Italian Grand Prix after the Dutchman eased to victory at Monza.
The Red Bull driver claimed his third victory of the F1 season and,
after re-passing Lando Norris for the lead in the opening phase of
the race, the result never looked in doubt. Whilst there was
controversy and confusion at McLaren behind, Verstappen put
together a characteristically assured display. It came just a day
after the four-time F1 drivers' champion stormed to an unexpected
pole position at the Temple of Speed. Rosberg highlighted how the
66-time grand prix winner was seldom discussed as a potential
victor ahead of qualifying. The 2016 F1 drivers' champion lauded
Verstappen's ability to produce "magic" that was seemingly conjured
from nowhere. "We never even spoke of Verstappen through the whole
weekend," Rosberg told Sky Sports F1. "We're speaking about
McLaren, Ferrari. "No one mentioned Verstappen, and suddenly, bam!
When it mattered, it was Verstappen magic." To the German, he
delivered another "surprise" in the race, something the 40-year-old
felt also caught McLaren off-guard. "And in qualifying, I do think
really it was down to him, but then in the race, somehow, yes,
again, he, I mean, he's just unbelievable, but his car was also
fast, which really came as a surprise to us," he added. "It came as
a surprise to McLaren. "So hats off to Red Bull, and, of course, to
him for just such a special weekend."
