Oliver Bearman believes Max Verstappen is the best driver to ever race in the history of F1.
Verstappen is currently chasing a fifth world title as he aims to close the gap to the McLaren duo in the final rounds of the campaign.
The Dutchman sits 36 points down on championship leader Lando Norris, who holds just a one-point advantage over team-mate Oscar Piastri.
Verstappen dramatically closed the gap over the last several races, a margin that sat at 104 points after the Dutch Grand Prix.
His hot run of form earned Verstappen praise from Bearman, who believes the 28-year-old is the greatest driver to ever step foot in the series.
“He’s on a good streak, I think he's the best driver in F1. He’s the best driver that's ever been in F1 as well,” Bearman told media including RacingNews365.
“For someone like me, a rookie aspiring to hopefully one day fight for a world championship, Max is the guy that I'm looking up to.
“He’s the current reference for the most talented and the quickest guy in F1 at the moment.
“Previously in the year, he didn't have a car to compete, but now it looks like he does.”
Bearman got the opportunity to race against Verstappen last time out at the Mexico City Grand Prix as they tussled for fourth place early in the race.
Bearman admitted he was “shitting himself” going side-by-side with Verstappen, who has often shown a ruthless hand in combat.
While the Haas driver came out on top in a battle through Turn 4, Verstappen ended the race in front by successfully completing a one-stop strategy, which contrasted with Bearman's two-stop race.
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Sam Coop, Fergal Walsh and Nick Golding, as they look back on last weekend's Mexico City Grand Prix. Lando Norris' crushing victory is a lead talking point, as is Max Verstappen keeping himself firmly in title contention.
Rather watch the podcast? Then click here!
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