Formula 1 fans were treated to a spectacular moment of racing brilliance last weekend, and it wasn’t just the viewers who were left in awe. Mercedes driver George Russell has now weighed in on what many are calling the standout highlight of the race—Max Verstappen’s daring overtake on McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. Speaking to reporters post-race, Russell didn’t hold back in his admiration for Verstappen’s move, calling it “the best overtake I’ve seen in a long time” and declaring the Red Bull driver as “one of the all-time greats” of Formula 1.
The move in question came during a fiercely contested battle on track. Verstappen, known for his aggressive but calculated driving style, pulled off a late-braking maneuver that caught Piastri off guard and left fans on the edge of their seats. The overtake was executed with surgical precision—on a part of the circuit where such attempts rarely succeed. It showcased not just Verstappen’s driving talent, but also his confidence and racecraft honed over years of elite competition.
Russell, who has himself been part of some thrilling duels with Verstappen in the past, was clearly impressed. “Max’s move on Oscar was simply sensational,” he said. “It takes a special kind of driver to even attempt something like that, let alone pull it off with such perfection. It reminded everyone why he’s a world champion—and why he’ll go down as one of the sport’s greatest ever.”
The praise from Russell is particularly meaningful, given the often intense rivalry between drivers at the front of the grid. While competition is fierce and tensions can run high, moments like these highlight the mutual respect shared among the top-tier athletes of the sport. “As competitors, we always push each other to the limit,” Russell added. “But when someone does something exceptional, you’ve got to acknowledge it. That move was world-class.”
Verstappen’s overtake has since gone viral on social media, with fans and pundits alike replaying the footage and marveling at the technique and timing involved. Many have compared it to some of the legendary overtakes in F1 history—placing it alongside moves by legends such as Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Fernando Alonso.
Oscar Piastri, the driver on the receiving end of the move, also commented after the race, showing his own appreciation for the skill involved. “Max got me fair and square,” he admitted. “There wasn’t much I could do once he committed to it. It was a fantastic piece of driving.”
As the season progresses and the title race heats up, moments like these are what fans live for—split-second decisions, raw talent, and the sheer thrill of wheel-to-wheel action. George Russell’s praise is just the latest confirmation that Max Verstappen is not just dominating the sport today, but cementing his legacy as one of Formula 1’s true greats.
Whether you’re a die-hard Red Bull supporter or simply a fan of pure racing excellence, Verstappen’s move on Piastri will likely be remembered as one of the defining moments of the 2025 season.