Bernie Ecclestone, the former head of Formula 1, has boldly proclaimed Max Verstappen as the greatest driver in the history of the sport.
Ecclestone’s declaration places Verstappen above legendary figures like Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, and Alain Prost.
Verstappen’s recent dominant performance at the Japanese Grand Prix showcased his prowess, as he skilfully defended his lead against McLaren’s drivers.
This victory extended his championship lead to a commanding 177 points, leaving him on the cusp of clinching a historic third consecutive F1 title with just three points required across the sprint race and Grand Prix.
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Speaking to the Daily Mail, Ecclestone expressed his unwavering admiration for Verstappen, stating, “Max is the best driver ever.
“No doubts. I used to say Alain Prost.
“Now I would say Max. He’s the greatest.
“He is brightest with regards to getting the best out of the car.
“He doesn’t muck around.
“He gets right on the programme.
“In my list, he is above Lewis Hamilton.”
Ecclestone acknowledged Lewis Hamilton’s brilliance, highlighting his exceptional talent and people skills.
He noted that Hamilton excels in understanding and motivating people, whereas Verstappen’s strength lies in extracting the maximum performance from his car.
Ecclestone emphasised their contrasting styles, stating, “He’s very different from Max.
“When Lewis stops racing, he can get into a different world — entertainment or whatever — but that won’t be the way Max could go.”
Ecclestone also drew parallels between Verstappen and his own experiences, noting that they share a similar mindset within the realm of Formula 1.
He acknowledged the uniqueness of Lewis Hamilton, mentioning that Hamilton stood out from an early age, much like Verstappen.
Ecclestone also highlighted the crucial support that both Verstappen and Hamilton received from their fathers during their formative years.
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While Max Verstappen continues to make a compelling case for himself as one of the sport’s greatest drivers, Lewis Hamilton’s track record is unparalleled in terms of statistics and accolades.
The 38-year-old Briton boasts a record 103 Grand Prix victories and seven World Championships.
Additionally, his podium finish in Singapore two weeks ago marked his 196th podium appearance in F1, placing him 41 podiums ahead of Michael Schumacher, who holds second place in this ranking.