Nico Rosberg makes 'magic' Max Verstappen declaration: 'Suddenly, bam!'

Nico Rosberg has hailed Max Verstappen's "magic" performance at the Italian Grand Prix after the Dutchman eased to victory at Monza.

The Red Bull driver claimed his third victory of the F1 season and, after re-passing Lando Norris for the lead in the opening phase of the race, the result never looked in doubt.

Whilst there was controversy and confusion at McLaren behind, Verstappen put together a characteristically assured display.

It came just a day after the four-time F1 drivers' champion stormed to an unexpected pole position at the Temple of Speed.

Rosberg highlighted how the 66-time grand prix winner was seldom discussed as a potential victor ahead of qualifying.

The 2016 F1 drivers' champion lauded Verstappen's ability to produce "magic" that was seemingly conjured from nowhere.

"We never even spoke of Verstappen through the whole weekend," Rosberg told Sky Sports F1. "We're speaking about McLaren, Ferrari.

"No one mentioned Verstappen, and suddenly, bam! When it mattered, it was Verstappen magic."

To the German, he delivered another "surprise" in the race, something the 40-year-old felt also caught McLaren off-guard.

"And in qualifying, I do think really it was down to him, but then in the race, somehow, yes, again, he, I mean, he's just unbelievable, but his car was also fast, which really came as a surprise to us," he added. "It came as a surprise to McLaren.

"So hats off to Red Bull, and, of course, to him for just such a special weekend."