Max Verstappen races ahead, then nobody comes for a long time. The world champion is so dominant in his Red Bull that the fight for the title in Formula 1 is no longer one. The press appreciates the Dutchman and paints a depressing picture for all other racing teams.
“Daily Mirror”: “It was a nightmare afternoon for Lewis Hamilton, who started fourth (…). He was one place behind his old rival Fernando Alonso. The Briton was left behind when the two veterans in the first lap collided.”
“The Sun”: “Let’s present the trophy now. There’s no point in dragging it out and waiting for the end of the season. Max Verstappen has (the World Cup) in his pocket – and we still have eight race ahead of us.”
“Daily Mail”: “Max Verstappen won the Belgian Grand Prix from 14th place on the grid – not just his ninth win of the season, but a one-sided destruction.”
“The Guardian”: “Formula 1 has already delivered some great races this season, but this one at Spa-Francorchamps was an afternoon that only Verstappen will savor. Nevertheless, it was not without importance on two levels. Verstappen, who was in the title fight Struggling at the front line, his pace and control has sent his rivals to despair, but the weekend couldn’t end fast enough for Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes, who are struggling to find their way back to a competitive pace.”
“Telegraph”: “This season is as good as over – at least as far as the title fight is concerned. Max Verstappen has achieved one of the most impressive victories of modern times in Belgium. A devastating performance.”
“De Volkskrant”: “Verstappen deals a blow at Spa-Francorchamps. At times it seemed as if he was the only one in a Formula 1 car, while the rest had to settle for an entry-level model.”
“AD”: “Max Verstappen carefree to Zandvoort. After Verstappen’s unprecedented demonstration in Belgium, the competition throws in the towel.”
“Le Monde”: “His Red Bull gives him wings. After showing excellent pace all weekend and setting the fastest time in qualifying, Max Verstappen once again gave the impression at Spa that it was easy for him.”
“L’Équipe”: “Red Bull’s perfect race, Hamilton’s failure.”
“Gazzetta dello Sport”: “It is difficult to describe Verstappen’s masterpiece at the Belgian Grand Prix. Like a juggler, the Dutchman eliminates all rivals. All competitors seemed to drive Formula 2 cars. Verstappen is a hurricane, before that too Ferrari has to capitulate.”
“Corriere dello Sport”: “Verstappen is a rocket that flies heavenly over the Spa circuit. No hesitation, no mistakes. His RB18 is the perfect combination of aerodynamic efficiency and the power of the power unit, which with Verstappen’s talent leads to a become an invincible mix.”
“Corriere della Sera”: “The fight for the world title is over. The superiority of the Verstappen/Red Bull combination is so enormous that Ferrari can only resign.”
“La Repubblica”: “Verstappen, an alien in Formula 1. From afar he observes the struggle for survival of his hopeless competitors.”
“Marca”: “Verstappen’s strong comeback, with Sainz on the podium and Alonso in fifth.”
“As”: “It was the almost perfect starting grid, Carlos Sainz first and Fernando Alonso third, the dream of every Spanish Formula 1 fan. But one of them crashed into reality, the enormous superiority of Red Bull and the lousy racing pace by Ferrari; and the other crashed into Hamilton.”
“Sport”: “Verstappen is irrepressible. Verstappen is in another galaxy.”
“El Mundo Deportivo”: “Verstappen and Red Bull play in a different league. They flatten Ferrari. An insulting superiority in Red Bull’s double victory in Belgium. The verdict for the world title will be carried out very soon.”
