The three podium finishers from the Hungarian Grand Prix – Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli – were asked to rate one another during the traditional post-race press conference. The three drivers have enjoyed very different campaigns so far this season. Antonelli has taken another major step forward compared to last year, winning six of the opening 11 races and finishing on the podium nine times, giving him
a 50-point championship lead over Lewis Hamilton heading into the summer break. Verstappen, meanwhile, has still managed to secure four podium finishes despite Red Bull's struggles, while Norris revived his title hopes by claiming both his maiden pole position of the season and victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Norris and Verstappen single out Antonelli as F1's standout performer
Norris was the first to answer the question, singling out Antonelli as his choice. The Briton praised the Italian's consistency throughout the season, highlighting how convincingly he has outperformed his teammate while making the most of a highly competitive package, adding that those performances deserve recognition in the championship fight.
"I think we’ll probably all just say ourselves. I feel like you can’t really compare in these things. You can’t really compare teams against teams. I think you have to say Kimi, as a complete package. They have a great car, and he’s done an incredible job, convincingly beating his teammate every single weekend. So, when you’re talking about a championship, you have to give credit to Kimi."
Verstappen largely echoed Norris' assessment, describing Antonelli as the standout performer at the front of the field. The Dutchman praised the 19-year-old's consistency and maturity, noting that he has also been unfortunate on several occasions this season, while adding that his performances have been particularly impressive given his age. He also spoke highly of Antonelli on a personal level, calling him both a great person and an exceptionally talented driver.
"I think I agree with most of what Lando has said. I think, if you look at the front, Kimi has done a really good job. Really strong, really solid, being the strongest in the team. I think, if he just keeps it going – of course, he’s also been very unlucky sometimes, so that’s been, I guess, a bit of a shame – but as a 19-year-old, so far, I think he’s been rock solid. So, that’s really impressive to see as an outsider. He’s, first of all, a nice guy and a very strong driver, so that’s a good combination."
Finally, it was Antonelli's turn to answer. The Italian was reluctant to judge himself against his rivals, but said he was satisfied with the first half of his season. At the same time, he admitted there is still a considerable gap between himself and drivers of Norris' and Verstappen's calibre, insisting he still has plenty of work to do despite the progress he has made.
"I don’t really like judging, but I feel like I’ve done a good first half. But, as Lando and Max said, it’s really hard to compare car to car. I think there’s still a long way before I reach their level, the two drivers next to me. So, I feel like I’m doing a great job, but there’s still a long way to reach their level. So, still lots of work to do."