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Marko and Ecclestone Reaffirm High Praise for Verstappen
Helmut Marko and Bernie Ecclestone have maintained their glowing assessment of Max Verstappen, insisting the Dutchman remains the premier driver on the Formula 1 grid.
By Michael de Vries - 2026-08-02T07:36:00.000Z - 2 min read
Helmut Marko and Bernie Ecclestone have once again voiced their high praise for Max Verstappen, reaffirming their shared belief that the Dutchman remains the premier driver in Formula 1. Both key figures have maintained an enthusiastic assessment of Verstappen's capabilities, insisting that his sustained form sets him apart from the rest of the current grid.
For Marko, this ongoing backing reflects a long-held conviction regarding Verstappen's place at the top of motorsport. Having monitored Verstappen's progression and performance closely over many years, Marko continues to view the driver as the absolute benchmark, pointing to his consistent ability to deliver results under pressure.
Ecclestone offers a complementary perspective, drawing on decades of experience observing championship-winning drivers at the highest level. The former Formula 1 chief executive has repeatedly praised Verstappen's qualities, placing him alongside the sport's historic greats and maintaining that no current rival has surpassed his overall level.
The central thesis behind their praise remains unchanged: Verstappen continues to represent the standard against which all other drivers are measured. In their assessment, despite the constant pressure and shifting fortunes across the paddock, Verstappen retains an edge that keeps him at the pinnacle of the driver hierarchy.
Such firm endorsements carry weight within the motorsport community, particularly given the distinct roles Marko and Ecclestone have held in shaping Formula 1 history. While paddock opinions can fluctuate depending on recent results, both men have shown remarkable consistency in their high evaluation of Verstappen's driving standard.
Their shared conclusion that Verstappen remains the best demonstrates how his reputation is viewed by established figures in the pit lane. As rival teams work to challenge for top honors, public backing from two of the sport's most vocal and experienced personalities reinforces Verstappen's central status in modern Grand Prix racing.
Ultimately, the continued praise from Marko and Ecclestone serves as a testament to Verstappen's enduring impact on Formula 1. Their stance underlines a firm belief that, regardless of broader paddock developments, Verstappen's position as the grid's leading performer remains secure in the eyes of motorsport veterans.