Villeneuve on 'monster' Verstappen: 'His car is like a second skin to him'

After another dominant performance by Max Verstappen in qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix, there is little doubt about who is the favourite for victory in the Formula 1 race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. However, former F1 driver Jacques Villeneuve says that the battle for P2 will be very interesting behind the Dutch driver.

Villeneuve on 'monster' Verstappen

Villeneuve, after whose father the circuit in Canada is named, is short of superlatives for the Dutchman's performance. "He's in top form. He's a monster, basically. His car is like a second skin to him, he does whatever he wants with it. Even when it's difficult, he knows what to expect and he can push the limit. But today in cool conditions all day, even this morning, he was untouchable," the Canadian told F1TV after qualifying.

According to the 1997 world champion, there was never any real threat from Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez in the championship. "The minute Sergio said 'I can win this championship', then I think Max said: 'Really? You think so?'" Even in Sunday's race, Verstappen seems to have little to fear from the Mexican, who was already stranded in Q2.

Asked about his predictions for the race, Villeneuve does not start with a surprising name. "Verstappen, obviously," he says of the expected winner. Behind that, however, things get interesting: "Let's say [Lewis] Hamilton. The car is good. They were super quick in the dry as well. So under dry conditions then definitely they will, the Mercedes will be in the battle. [Fernando] Alonso, Hamilton podium or maybe Hamilton second."