Max Verstappen is already in the conversation regarding the top five Formula 1 drivers of all time at the age of just 27.
The only other driver who has been in a similar bracket is Sebastian Vettel, who had claimed four championships before he had turned the age Verstappen is now.
The Dutchman has battled for a championship, dominated for one, and had to fight for one while holding onto it for dear life without a car advantage.
His Sao Paulo Grand Prix performance underlined just who he is in a cockpit, defying the odds from 17th on the grid to annihilate his opposition and effectively end any hopes of a Lando Norris title.
Martin Brundle says it’s ‘too early’ to call Max Verstappen the greatest
With 62 race victories, Verstappen has the third most wins of any driver in the sport’s history and is only 29 behind the legendary Michael Schumacher.
Surpassing him at around the age of 30 years old is a real possibility if Red Bull can continue to give him a race-winning car as they have done for seasons on end.
Lewis Hamilton is a little further ahead, but he might have 15 years behind the wheel left yet – more than he has already been in one for – he could smash all the records…
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Speaking on Sky Sports F1 at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Martin Brundle delivered his verdict as to whether the Dutchman can be considered the best to grace tarmac yet.
“He’s been an integral part of Red Bull achieving a dominant status,” he said. “He has fearless speed and talent to spare and a strong head to go with it.
“If you’re having a conversation about the greatest Formula 1 driver of all time, you simply have to include Max. You’ll make your own minds up, for me, it’s too early to call him the greatest.”
What more does Verstappen need to achieve to be considered the best?
While both Hamilton and Schumacher are considered to be the two greatest drivers of all time, they are a level above Ayrton Senna and Verstappen due to their numbers.
Senna easily could have won more, but Verstappen has achieved nearly equally as much, if not more, while many years younger.
Only Schumacher has won five titles in a row, so doing so in 2025 would elevate the Dutchman a bit higher and tick off claiming every crown during the current technical regulations.
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It’s possible that if he can get to six or even seven before turning 30, he will elevate himself above both Schumacher and Hamilton, considering that they reached the same point at least three years later.
Fans will always to and fro on the topic, but no matter how impressive each of the greatest drivers is, they should all be admired for their speed and commitment on the track.
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