Two-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou claims Max Verstappen is at a ‘higher level’ than the rest of the F1 grid

2023 IndyCar champion Alex Palou praised Max Verstappen's outstanding performances in 2023.

Two-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou claims Max Verstappen is at a ‘higher level’ than the rest of the F1 grid

Alex Palou [L], Max Verstappen [R] (images via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen has dominated the 2023 F1 season. The Dutch driver has had a historic title campaign with 15 race victories. The Red Bull driver has been far ahead of his rivals, including teammate Sergio Perez. Now, two-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou has praised Verstappen for showcasing incredible pace and talent in F1.

The 2023 IndyCar winner claimed that the Red Bull driver was in a league of his own. Alex Palou reckoned that despite having the fastest car, Verstappen’s performances proved that the Dutchman is superior to his peers. Palou told Newspaper As “I believe that Verstappen is at a higher level than the rest. Even if you have the best car it does amazing things and with ease.”

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However, the IndyCar star believed that Fernando Alonso was not far behind the three-time champion. Nevertheless, Palou cited Verstappen’s massive lead over teammate Sergio Perez and his historic winning streak as testaments to his brilliance. Alex Palou said, “Not at a great distance from Alonso but, despite the car he has, the differences with his partner or the fact of winning ten races in a row make him special.”

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Also Read: Max Verstappen says he wants to emulate the career of Moto GP legend Valentino Rossi

Alex Palou and Max Verstappen have spent time Simracing

Max Verstappen has always expressed his love for racing in the virtual world. The Dutch driver even plans to form a pathway for sim racers to eventually make it into motorsport. Alex Palou too is an avid sim racer. The IndyCar driver has raced against Verstappen online on multiple occasions. The two even teamed up for the 12 hours of Virtual Sebring.

Max Verstappen on his racing sim (image via Boxthislap)
Max Verstappen on his racing sim (image via Boxthislap)

The two-time IndyCar champion reckoned that even on the virtual turf, Max Verstappen leads the rest of the competition. The Dutch driver seems to have the pure pace and talent that puts him ahead of his rivals. Palou stated, “We do things together in the SIM Racing simulator and there is also the best. It has an extra that the others do not have. So I think it is above the rest.”

Max Verstappen has already bagged the 2023 Formula 1 world championship. However, the Dutch driver remains hungry for more. The 26-year-old would be looking to continue his success in the last few rounds of the season to end the year on a high note. As such, fans would be looking forward to seeing how Verstappen performs in the coming races.

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