SUZUKA, April 7 — No Formula One driver will be able to compete with Red Bull’s triple world champion Max Verstappen this year, Toto Wolff, team boss of their closest rivals last season Mercedes, said today after the Dutchman dominated the Japanese Grand Prix.

His frank assessment came after Verstappen finished the race at the Suzuka circuit almost 13 seconds clear of his team mate Sergio Perez and 20 seconds clear of the rest of the field.