Max Verstappen deserves to be mentioned among the greatest Formula One drivers of all-time after a “flawless” season, according Lewis Hamilton.
This weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix will almost certainly see the Red Bull driver pick up his third consecutive F1 title after totally dominating the sport for the second year in a row.
Fans and pundits may remain split over exactly how much Verstappen’s imperiousness is owed to his top-of-the-class car, but Hamilton has no qualms with describing the 26-year-old as among F1’s best.
“I wouldn’t rank him because ranking people is an opinion-based thing,” he told reporters.
“But he has earned his position, and he has done an amazing job with the package he has. Him and the team have been phenomenal and faultless this year.
“They have raised the bar and as a team we have to look at that, and look at the areas where we can be better and match that and compete.
“I do hope at some stage we can fight them and have them defending, but they should enjoy the moment because they have worked for it.”
Hamilton is also regularly listed among F1’s best-ever, along with the likes of Ayrton Senna, Juan Manuel Fangio and Michael Schumacher.
Fernando Alonso omitted his seven-time world champion former teammate when discussing Verstappen’s place in the GOAT (greatest of all-time) debate alongside Schumacher.
“I've only been wheel-to-wheel with Michael, but [comparable] with Michael? Maybe, yes,” the Spaniard stated.
“And for the next few years he will keep adding championships so we will compare him with Michael even closer in the future.”
I live in the moment and I want to achieve more.
Verstappen himself has insisted he will enjoy his success while it lasts, with his third crown guaranteed if he finishes inside the top six of Saturday’s sprint race at Losail Circuit.
“Michael’s achievements were incredible,” said Verstappen.
“But when he was achieving these kind of things it was seen as normal because it was an amazing driver with an amazing team and everything came together. Maybe people got bored of it? But it was incredible to have achieved those kind of things.
“I don’t think about reaching seven. We will see year-by-year what happens, but I am very proud. I live in the moment and I want to achieve more.
“I know when I stop racing I will be able to look back and I will be able to appreciate it more but it wasn’t something I ever thought was achievable when I was a little kid.”
