International media wax lyrical over 'chosen one' Verstappen after Japanese Grand Prix triumph

On Saturday, Max Verstappen stunned everyone by claiming pole position, defying expectations that either of the McLaren drivers would top the timesheets. Verstappen pushed the RB21 to its limits with a flawless lap, securing his first pole of the season. He then translated this impressive performance into a victory on Sunday despite intense McLaren pressure, marking his first win of the year.

After his dominant performance at the Japanese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen was affectionately dubbed "a beast" by the Spanish publication Marca. "Max Verstappen has achieved a majestic victory in the Japanese Grand Prix." They explained how Verstappen still managed to win despite not having the fastest car. "He managed to outclass the much faster McLarens in all aspects." 

The newspaper also wrote: "The driver who wins in Suzuka is not just anyone; he is a chosen one on a circuit designed by the gods. Where overtaking is rare and errors are severely punished." And that man was only one: Verstappen. "Verstappen's pole on Saturday was a masterpiece, and the Sunday victory is attributed to [tyre] management, composure, and killer pace."

The Spaniards were not the only ones who were impressed with the Red Bull driver. Belgian Het Laatste Nieuws compared the Dutchman to one of Formula 1's finest-ever drivers. "Our columnist Jan Segers once wrote a book about Ayrton Senna. 'The right foot of God' was the title," The Last News wrote. "But God has two feet. He gave the other to Max Verstappen. We didn't just think about it during the Japanese race. The name 'Senna' had already been mentioned several times. The first time on Saturday: how Verstappen set that pole position on the charts, almost all observers agreed: it can only happen when someone is in a kind of elevated state behind the wheel. Someone who surpasses themselves. Indeed: 'like Senna'." 

The German Bild speaks of 'a great mystery' surrounding Verstappen's victory. They wrote about how Norris tried to overtake Verstappen at the pit exit and failed. "An aggressive move at the world champion's elbow, but it was within the rules." They also wondered why McLaren didn't release Piastri to attack the Dutchman. "Anyway, a stroke of luck for Verstappen!"