Max Verstappen Shatters Records and Dominates Monza: Damon Hill Hails Him as the “Driver of This Age”
In a stunning display of speed and skill, Max Verstappen has once again proven his mettle on the Formula 1 stage, clinching a spectacular victory at the Italian Grand Prix. Despite past criticisms from racing legends, including Damon Hill, who has expressed concerns over Verstappen’s driving tactics, the former world champion has now thrown his full support behind the Dutch phenom, declaring him the “driver of this age.”
At the iconic Monza circuit, Verstappen showcased his extraordinary talent by securing pole position with a breathtaking lap that not only edged out the competition by a mere 0.077 seconds but also set the record for the fastest lap in Formula 1 history. Clocking an average speed of 264.682 km/h (164.466 mph) over the 5.793 km track, Verstappen left fans and critics alike in awe.
However, the race was set against a backdrop of intense competition, particularly from McLaren, whose MCL39 was known for its superior tire management. As the lights went out, Lando Norris aggressively challenged Verstappen for the lead, forcing the Red Bull driver onto the grass. But the battle was far from over; Verstappen initially lost the lead after cutting the chicane and was forced to relinquish his position at the end of the opening lap.
Yet, his resilience shone through. By Lap 4, Verstappen had reclaimed the lead from Norris and launched into a blistering pace that left the rest of the field in his dust. He ultimately crossed the finish line a staggering 19 seconds ahead of his closest rival, delivering a performance Hill hailed as a testament to Verstappen’s remarkable driving abilities.
Reflecting on the race, Hill took to social media to express his admiration, saying, “I know I’ve been critical of some of his passing and tactics, but there is not getting away from the fact that Max Verstappen is the driver of this age. He’s a cut above in almost every respect. A phenomenon, actually. Nice job this weekend Max.”
This victory marks Verstappen’s third win of the 2025 season, pushing him a commanding 36 points ahead of George Russell in the championship standings, as he aims to solidify his place among the sport’s elite.
Verstappen’s performance did not go unnoticed by other racing icons either. Nico Rosberg, a fellow world champion, described the Dutch star’s efforts as “a touch of magic.” Speaking on Sky F1, Rosberg remarked, “Suddenly, bam, when it mattered, it was Verstappen magic. In qualifying, it was really down to him, and in the race, he was just unbelievable.” He added, “Hats off to Red Bull, and of course, to him for just such a special weekend.”
The excitement reached its peak during an exhilarating overtake maneuver, where Verstappen displayed unparalleled skill, darting past Norris with breathtaking precision. Rosberg marveled, “Incredible that Max then afterwards was able to come back so quickly and get him right back with this incredible move. So late on the brakes, brilliant stuff, like really special, so impressive.”
As the dust settles on this spectacular Italian Grand Prix, one thing remains clear: Max Verstappen is not just a driver; he is a force of nature, and the world of Formula 1 is better for it. As the season progresses, fans can only wonder what more this exceptional talent will bring to the track.
