Emerson Fittipaldi has no doubt who is the best driver in Formula 1

Among the many guests in the Italian GP paddock was Emerson Fittipaldi, a two-time Formula One World Champion. The Brazilian driver, born in 1946, won the World Championship in 1972 and 1974. His passion for motorsport is still very strong, so much so that he has taken him around the world.

On the sidelines of the Topps event, Emerson Fittipaldi spoke about the differences between today’s Formula 1 and that of his time: “There are so many differences. There have been so many changes, now electronics, telemetry, technology are part of F1, they are necessary. Safety has improved so much. In my time it was all very risky, beyond it is much less so.”

After revealing how his all-time favorite single-seater was the Lotus John Player Special (with which he won his first World Championship), the motorsport legend also spoke about today’s drivers. No doubts about who is the best: “Verstappen is a fantastic driver, he is at the’peak of his career and his performances are outstanding. Certainly we should not forget Piastri and Norris who are young and are very good, but Max is at a higher level.”

Having always been a major player in the Formula 1 circus (and beyond), Emerson Fittipaldi confirmed that he has no other passions outside of motorsports: “Outside racing is racing. My son Emerson Jr. is a driver, he just raced at Spa. What I do and follow him because I like motorsport, I live for motorsport.”