Former F1 team principal Franz Tost has firmly stated that Max Verstappen is the best driver in the sport, something the Austrian believes is "very clear".
Tost led Red Bull's sister team from its entry into F1 in 2006 until the end of the 2023 season, meaning he was Verstappen's team principal for a brief period.
Verstappen had Tost as his boss when he joined Toro Rosso (now known as Racing Bulls) for the 2015 campaign, when he was just 17 years old.
The Dutchman's career has been closely followed by Tost, who insists the four-time world champion is the best driver in the championship, while also describing Kimi Antonelli as "really very good".
"Verstappen is currently the best driver in Formula 1," Tost told the 15 Love - der Business podcast.
"That is very clear. But I have to say that Kimi Antonelli is doing great, really very good. And then Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris follow, with Charles Leclerc behind them."
Antonelli has defied all expectations across the opening five rounds of the 2026 F1 season and is currently on a run of four consecutive victories.
It has seen the 19-year-old build a 43-point lead in the drivers' championship, with Tost particularly impressed by how composed Antonelli has been.
"Max Verstappen is the best," Tost added. "Kimi Antonelli has put in a sensational performance in these first races of the season, given the experience he has.
"How controlled he drives, and with how much overview. So he is already among the new superstars. And the others are Norris and Piastri."
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