Max Verstappen surprised many by omitting Lewis Hamilton from his list of the best drivers on the Formula 1 2025 grid, instead applauding Charles Leclerc and Fernando Alonso for their performances. This comes after years of intense rivalry between Verstappen and Hamilton, which peaked during the dramatic 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi.
That season culminated in Verstappen securing his first of what would become four consecutive World Championships, in an event marked by controversy that denied Hamilton, then driving for Mercedes, an unprecedented eighth title. Since then, Verstappen has dominated the sport, winning 46 out of the last 84 races. His victory at the recent Italian Grand Prix ensured that he will close 2025 having won at least half of all races held since the ground-effect cars’ introduction in 2022.
By contrast, Lewis Hamilton’s success has been limited, with only two race wins in the past three and a half seasons, both in 2024. Now 40 years old and competing for Ferrari, Hamilton has yet to reach the podium this year in F1 2025.
Verstappen Highlights Leclerc and Alonso in Direct Assessment of Colleagues
While speaking to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Verstappen was asked to name the strongest drivers currently in Formula 1. He did not mention Hamilton at all, instead praising Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso. Verstappen singled out Leclerc as the standout in qualifying sessions and overtaking maneuvers.
“Phew, that’s difficult, but I think currently… I’ve always considered Charles Leclerc to be a very good driver in qualifying,”
Verstappen said.
He added,
“Charles Leclerc is also good at overtaking.”
Verstappen reserved his highest commendations for Fernando Alonso, the two-time World Champion, describing him as the best performer on race day and the most intelligent driver on the grid.
“I’ve always liked watching Fernando race, even in the past. He’s a real fighter. I really like that,”
Verstappen explained. About Alonso’s intelligence, he said,
“Intelligence? I would always opt for experience.”
“I’m not going to mention myself in any of this, so I would choose Fernando Alonso for his experience,”
he added.
Verstappen further praised Alonso’s defensive skills, declaring him “brilliant in defence” and emphasizing his “without a doubt” strong competitive mentality.
Verstappen Declines to Name the Most Charismatic or Greatest Drivers
When asked about the most charismatic driver currently on the grid, Verstappen replied that charisma is irrelevant to driving an F1 car. He also chose not to single out any individual as the greatest driver in Formula 1 history, citing the diversity of talent across eras.
“Actually, it doesn’t matter. Not for driving an F1 car,”
he said regarding charisma.
Regarding the greatest driver ever, he commented,
“For me, it’s impossible to say. There are so many great drivers from different eras.”
He concluded on the importance of appreciating the sport’s icons, stating,
“I think it’s more important to simply appreciate all the great drivers that have ever existed.”
Context and Implications of Verstappen’s Rankings for F1 2025
Verstappen’s decision to exclude Hamilton from his assessment underlines the shifting dynamics on the F1 grid, as new rivalries and driver performances shape the championship’s future. With Leclerc excelling in qualifying and overtaking, and Alonso demonstrating racecraft and strategic intelligence, Verstappen’s comments highlight the emerging leaders of the current season.
Hamilton’s struggles in his debut year with Ferrari raise questions about his prospects in the remainder of 2025 and beyond, particularly as Verstappen continues to dominate with Red Bull Racing. Verstappen’s perspective also reflects a broader respect for experience and resilience embodied by Alonso, suggesting that mental strength plays a critical role in F1 success.
As the season progresses, the motorsport world will watch closely whether Hamilton can reverse his fortunes, or if Verstappen, Leclerc, and Alonso will solidify their status among Formula 1’s elite.
