Max Verstappen is being hailed as the greatest Formula 1 driver of all time by none other than David Coulthard, one of Michael Schumacher’s former on-track rivals. Despite placing Verstappen among legendary names like Ayrton Senna, Lewis Hamilton, and Schumacher himself, Coulthard believes the Dutchman stands out as “arguably” the best driver to have ever graced the sport.
During an interview with Motorsport.com, Coulthard participated in a word association game centered around F1 drivers. When Verstappen’s name came up, Coulthard didn’t hesitate to offer high praise. He expressed that Verstappen is not only the best of his generation but perhaps the greatest in the sport’s entire history. His remarks, while complimentary, were sure to stir debate within the racing community. Coulthard stated, “Best. Arguably the best. Not only one of his generation but arguably best of all time. And that’s controversial. It’ll be controversial to many people, you know.”
Coulthard reflected on the greats of Formula 1, explaining how every era brings a new benchmark of excellence. He recalled how Senna was his personal standard while growing up, adding that each generation of drivers should be better than the last. He explained, “When I grew up, Ayrton was the benchmark, and I worked with him and got to see him up close. But every generation should be better than the next.”
Coulthard went on to compare Verstappen with Hamilton, Schumacher, and Senna, recognizing the extraordinary talent each driver displayed at their peak. He explained that Verstappen’s natural speed, along with his achievements at such a young age, sets him apart from the rest. He continued, “I think the natural speed that he [Verstappen] has and what he’s done at such a young age is remarkable. It’s controversial because we’re living in the moment, and there will be those who look at Lewis and his incredible achievements. But the truth is, Max, Lewis, Ayrton, Schumacher—they all live in very rare air that merely good racing drivers never get to breathe.”
Verstappen’s rise to dominance in Formula 1 has been meteoric. His journey began when Helmut Marko signed him to the Toro Rosso team in 2014, making his debut in the 2015 season alongside Carlos Sainz. At just 17 years old, Verstappen became the youngest driver in Formula 1 history, instantly making headlines as a future star.
In 2016, Verstappen’s career took another significant leap when Red Bull promoted him to the main team. In his first race with Red Bull, the Spanish Grand Prix, he stunned the motorsport world by winning the race, becoming the youngest Grand Prix winner in history. That moment marked the beginning of a remarkable career that would see him rise to the pinnacle of Formula 1.
Between 2016 and 2020, Verstappen secured 10 race victories, solidifying his reputation as one of the fastest and most talented drivers on the grid. However, it was in 2021 that the Dutch driver truly entered the realm of greatness. In a fierce and controversial title battle with Lewis Hamilton, Verstappen came out on top, securing his first F1 World Championship and beginning his era of dominance.
Since that breakthrough season, Verstappen has been nearly unstoppable. He claimed back-to-back F1 World Championships in 2022 and 2023, and in 2024, he continues to lead the championship standings by a comfortable margin of 52 points over his closest competitor, Lando Norris. At just 27 years old, Verstappen already boasts an impressive resume that includes three world titles and numerous accolades.
In addition to his championship wins, Verstappen has been recognized for his talent and achievements with various awards. He has won two ESPY Best Driver awards, the prestigious Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award, and three Dutch Sportsman of the Year awards. Other honors include the Lorenzo Bandini Trophy, three FIA Personality of the Year awards, and several Autosport Racing Driver of the Year titles.
Despite his young age, Verstappen’s legacy is already one of the greatest in Formula 1 history. Coulthard’s comparison of Verstappen to legendary drivers like Senna, Hamilton, and Schumacher only adds to the Dutchman’s growing legend. With his unmatched speed, racing intelligence, and a long career still ahead of him, Verstappen is well on his way to securing his place as the greatest driver of all time. Whether you agree with Coulthard’s assessment or not, one thing is undeniable—Max Verstappen’s impact on the world of Formula 1 is nothing short of extraordinary, and his dominance shows no signs of stopping.
Michael Schumacher’s Former Rival Crowns Max Verstappen as the Greatest Driver of All Time
