The-soon-to-be three-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen is tearing up the sport's record brooks at an impressive rate, with few able to stop him, Emerson Fittipaldi believes Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris have the talent to challenge the Red Bull ace.
Helmut Marko is on record saying only F1's elder statement and living legends Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso are in the same league as the Dutchman.
But Brazilian motorsport legend Fittipaldi told that there are others on the grid capable of doing so with a winning car: "I understand Helmut's point of view but I'm sure on a good day, Leclerc is there. He's very fast for sure. And Lando Norris is also very fast. He and Leclerc for sure can challenge Verstappen.
"I understand, Fernando and Lewis, both former world champions, are top because they're experienced. Their judgments during the race are always good and most of the time, they're right but Leclerc and Norris are there too," said Fittipaldi.
Right now everyone is chasing Verstappen as the F1 circus heads to Red Bull's home Austrian Grand Prix where Max will hunt his seventh Grand Prix win of the season, a fourth in a row and looking to extend his 69 points lead, over teammate Sergio Perez, in the 2023 F1 World Championship Drivers' standings.
In contrast to the #1 RBR, in the #11 car, Perez had a solid start to the season, with two impressive wins early on. But since his victory in Baku, his form has dipped dramatically, to the point his replacement is being talked about. If it happens, in all likelihood will be Daniel Ricciardo, who is getting seat time in the Red Bull RB19 during the Silverstone test next month. The pressure is on the Mexican veteran.
Emmo: I hope Checo Perez does well, he has to get his act together
Fittipaldi continued: "Max has the momentum and is on the way to his third World Championship. I'm sure racing there he'll have extra motivation. The team will be under tremendous pressure as well. He doesn't need more motivation or confidence than what he has now."
Of the driver in the other Red Bull, Fittiapldi warned: "Motor racing, like any other sport, people don't remember three-four GPs, they remember the last grand prix. Racing has a very short memory. I hope Checo Perez does well, he has to get his act together. He needs results. He needs to perform."
As for the race this weekend at the Red Bull Ring, Fittpaldi predicted: "Austria could be an exciting race because the teams are getting more competitive and are balanced. If it rains, a lot of things can change.
"We could have a surprise from Mercedes because it looks like Lewis is coming back and they're getting the act together. When I hear Toto Wolff say that they have new upgrades for the next few Grands Prix, it won't be a big surprise if Mercedes run very strong now."
"Fernando will be contending for sure. He's been on the podium often this season and he's feeling very good and determined. The team will be putting in the effort. Ferrari can run strong, qualifying and then in the race. Charles Leclerc won there last year and they're strong," concluded 76-year-old Fittipaldi, a double F1 World Champion.
Ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, this is what the 2023 F1 title race scorecards look like:
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