The former Toro Rosso team principal believes that Max Verstappen is currently the best driver in Formula 1, without any ambiguity.
Read more Pierre Gasly puzzled by a mysterious «fundamental» problem at Alpine
Franz Tost, former boss of the Toro Rosso team which became Racing Bulls, gave a very clear opinion on the current hierarchy in Formula 1. For the Austrian, there is no doubt that Max Verstappen dominates the discipline, despite the rise of several young talents.
Tost knows the Dutchman particularly well, having seen him debut in F1 in 2015 within Red Bull’s junior structure. At the time, Verstappen was only 17 years old and was taking his first steps in the top category under the supervision of the former manager.
Even today, the Austrian closely follows the career of the four-time world champion and believes that his level remains unmatched in the current paddock.
Verstappen, absolute reference on the grid according to Tost
For Franz Tost, the discussion about the best driver at the moment leaves no room for doubt. According to him, Max Verstappen clearly holds the top spot in the hierarchy of Formula 1 drivers.
“Max Verstappen is currently the best Formula 1 driver. It’s very clear” he stated with conviction during a podcast, emphasizing the consistency and mastery of the Dutchman.
The former team boss also highlights Verstappen’s ability to maintain a high level of performance throughout an entire season, regardless of the context or race conditions.
Read more Cadillac denies any threat to Valtteri Bottas and a rapid promotion of Colton Herta
Antonelli praised as the new revelation of the grid
While Verstappen dominates according to him, Tost did not fail to highlight the impressive progress of Kimi Antonelli. The young Mercedes driver is having a particularly remarkable start to his career in Formula 1, to the point of already establishing himself among the references on the grid.
With four consecutive wins at the start of the season and a leading position in the championship, the young Italian impresses with his maturity and consistency.
“Antonelli is delivering sensational performances considering his experience” emphasized Tost, who sees in him one of the future big names of the discipline.
Norris, Piastri and Leclerc in the hierarchy
In his overall analysis, Franz Tost also places Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris among the most competitive drivers on the current grid, just behind Verstappen and Antonelli. Charles Leclerc, for his part, is positioned slightly behind in this hierarchy established by the former team principal.
Beyond the usual debates in the paddock, Franz Tost fully stands by his ranking of the best drivers on the current grid. For him, Verstappen remains the absolute reference, while the new generation is beginning to establish itself progressively.
A reading that confirms, once again, the central place occupied by the Red Bull driver in the current era of Formula 1.
Read more Red Bull closes the door to a sale of Racing Bulls even as pressure mounts