Fittipaldi praises McLaren drivers: 'Oscar has been a surprise'

Since last weekend, Max Verstappen has surpassed Emerson Fittipaldi. The latter has two Formula 1 world titles, and Verstappen now has three. Fittipaldi remains an attentive spectator of Formula 1. The former driver can therefore confirm a remark made by Verstappen.

The Dutch champion said recently that with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, McLaren has, in his eyes, the strongest line-up on the grid. Thanks in part to this pair - and of course a fine car - the British team is now the main challenger to Verstappen's Red Bull Racing. Fittipaldi tells Vegasinsider he indeed sees two extremely fast, young men at McLaren.

"To me, Piastri has been a surprise, doing as well as he is doing in his first year in F1. He's adapted himself very well to the car, to the team. I think he's doing an amazing job.," the Brazilian former champion believes. "Lando Norris, we know his qualities and talent. That's already been proven. And I understand what Max is trying to say. This is the best balance of equal drivers in one team"

Verstappen favourite at COTA

McLaren's men will try to beat Verstappen at the Circuit of the Americas next weekend. Team boss Andrea Stella thinks this is not going to be easy, but Fittipaldi is confident in the young pair. "I can see this year, the McLarens should be very fast there. I think they're coming to a point where they can be the Red Bull's biggest challengers. Verstappen still has the big advantage."