Verstappen creates déjà vu among international media: "Untouchable and unchallenged"

The international newspapers noted that Max Verstappen matched Ayrton Senna's record during the Canadian Grand Prix. Some newspapers found the victory of the Red Bull Racing driver boring and predictable, while other media once again witnessed a flawless Verstappen. Opinions about the championship battle for this season also diverged after the race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. One newspaper believes there is still a title fight to be had, while another media outlet thinks that Verstappen's competition is better off giving up the fight.

Verstappen secured his 41st victory, thus matching Senna's record. For La Gazzetta dello Sport, that was enough reason to briefly look back at the skeptics who considered a seventeen-year-old Verstappen too young for Formula 1. "The race in Canada was once again a triumphant ride by Verstappen, with an invincible Red Bull. He managed to keep his emotions, if he felt them at all, in check, which suits his style." The Red Bull driver did collide with a bird and went over the curbs a little bit too wildly, but at no point did the victory seem to be in jeopardy. "The championship leader gave the impression of always being able to smile and always being relaxed."

At the other Italian newspaper, Corriere dello Sport, the Dutchman's victory is perceived as usual. The newspaper primarily focuses on the battle between Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton, as well as Ferrari's comeback. "Verstappen's usual victory, with which he equals the 41 victories of the legendary Senna, does not detract from a race that revolved around the vintage duel between Alonso and Hamilton, in which the SF-23 finally performed well." Despite matching Senna's number of wins, Corriere dello Sport secretly found Verstappen's victory rather boring.

Alonso and Hamilton provide hope for exciting title fight

AS sees the second and third places of Alonso and Hamilton, respectively, as a potential starting point for a reborn title battle. Indeed, the Spaniard managed to cross the finish line within ten seconds of Verstappen. "If you see the glass as half empty, you see that Max has led every lap since Miami and has achieved four consecutive victories. If you see the glass as half full, you see that the two most experienced and talented multiple champions in this field are already hot on his heels. There is a battle," writes an optimistic Spanish newspaper.

Verstappen "untouchable and unchallenged"

The Guardian primarily focuses on Verstappen's performance. The British newspaper observes that history keeps repeating itself this season. "Untouchable and unchallenged, there is now a distinct déjà vu feeling to Verstappen's performances this season, as was once again illustrated by a flawless victory in the Canadian Grand Prix." Unlike AS, The Guardian believes that the championship battle has long been decided. "The discussion about whether or not the Dutchman can still be caught this season is over."