International media react: 'Mad Max' Verstappen proves Perez 'illusion'

Max Verstappen earned F1's Driver of the Day accolade following his victory from P9 on the grid at the Miami Grand Prix, and the feat has also attracted the attention of media outlets across the world.

In the British media, Sky Sports labelled Verstappen's performance a "stunning recovery" and a "scintillating drive".

"Up until [his mistake in qualifying], the Dutchman had appeared in a league of his own at the Miami International Autodrome, and that form returned on Sunday as he produced a faultless display," the outlet added.

SImilarly, the BBC felt that Verstappen's win was "an emphatic statement of his superiority over Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez".

The publication wrote: "It was a champion's drive, one that suggested Perez's title challenge will turn out to be the illusion most in F1 expect it always was."

'Mad Max'

In Germany, Bild watched Verstappen switch on what they deemed to be "Mad Max" mode.

"Although the reigning World Champion only starts the race from ninth place, he is unstoppable," the outlet said.

"The Dutchman loses a place at the start, but then 'Mad Max' ignites the turbo. After only 15 laps, he has made it onto the podium.

"With the help of his absolutely dominant car – but also with breathtaking manoeuvres."

French publication L'Equipe took a similar stance, writing that Verstappen "made a fool of the entire field".

"Cautious at the start, where he didn't want to damage his Red Bull, he was then imperious from start to finish with a crazy pace on his Hard tyres, moving up to second place in only 15 laps!" they added.

One of Verstappen's best F1 victories?

Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport heaped praise on the manner in which Verstappen claimed his 38th victory in Formula 1.

"Simply monstrous. Max Verstappen's 38th F1 victory in the Miami GP is perhaps one of the most beautiful if not the most beautiful of his career, one of those that forever mark the memory of a champion in the memories of the fans," the outlet said.

Reflecting on Verstappen's long opening stint on the Hard tyre, the publication added: "Against all logic, against the laws of physics. How he did it is not known. But he did it.

"So when he re-entered the track after his stop, Perez was only two seconds away, he easily caught up with him, overtook him and probably even humiliated him a little."

In Spain, Marca called Verstappen's "superb" performance a "majestic comeback", though offered a note of hope for Perez by concluding: "It is now 14 points for the Dutchman in the World Championship lead, but there will be more opportunities for the Mexican."