2016 Formula 1 World Champion Nico Rosberg believes that Max Verstappen’s “historic greatness” rivals some of the biggest names in the sport’s history.
After the opening seven rounds of the 2023 season, Verstappen boasts a 53 point lead in the standings over team-mate Sergio Perez.
The Dutchman has prevailed at five races, continuing his dominant form that was on display during the 2022 campaign, when he secured his second F1 title.
Rosberg believes that Verstappen’s current run puts him on the same page as drivers that have enjoyed monumental success in F1.
“We are witnessing real historic greatness in line with Schumacher, Hamilton, Senna,” he told Sky Sports.
“It’s a really incredible performance, extraordinary.”
Despite his strong run of form, question marks have been surrounding Verstappen’s long-term F1 future after he publicly took issue with the direction the sport is heading regarding regulations and weekend formats.
But Rosberg believes his retirement ideas sprouted from his intense 2021 title fight against Hamilton.
“That talk from him [possibly retiring] started in the year when he battled Hamilton, where he said ‘I won’t go on for very long if every year is like that’,” said Rosberg.
“Those battles are so fierce and intense, it takes a lot of the fun away as well.
“The sport will always be an intense environment, especially when you are fighting for championships every year and you are the guy who has it all to lose.
“Every expectation is you are going to win over and over, it’s quite demanding.
“I can’t put myself in his shoes. Money-wise, he’s done. He has so much he won’t have to work again or worry again. Record-wise he’s already one of the best of all time by the end of this year.”
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