Rosberg sees Verstappen excelling in China: 'Quickly among best five ever'

Nico Rosberg drove for years in the same Mercedes team as Lewis Hamilton, who, with his seven world titles and 103 Grand Prix victories, is the most successful driver in Formula 1 history. So the German - who captured the world title himself once - has good comparison material, if he is to assess Max Verstappen 's qualities. Speaking to Sky Sports, Rosberg said that Verstappen could 'soon' be counted among the five best drivers of all time in Formula 1.

While Verstappen was unchallenged and hugely overpowered on his way to his fourth win of the season, Rosberg commented on the China Grand Prix at Sky Sports. The former driver made it clear he was impressed by what Verstappen showed in Shanghai. "I think he's moving himself into the top five of all time soon," Rosberg said. "Especially towards the end of this year, if he wins the championship again."

David Croft, the co-commentator, responded with what Anthony Davidson said over a year ago, at the time Verstappen had captured two world titles. Back then, the former driver said the Red Bull Racing driver was "one of the best ever in Formula 1".

That tempted Rosberg to name his list of five best drivers in the history of the sport. "I mean, the top five, I see it as Fangio, Hamilton, Schumacher, Senna, and then Verstappen will slot nicely into that," Rosberg said.