The ongoing Max Verstappen F1 champion debate took a dramatic turn after former racing star David Coulthard emphatically ranked Verstappen ahead of Lewis Hamilton as a superior champion, sparking renewed discussions throughout the Formula 1 world. Coulthard’s remarks were delivered during a recent appearance on the Red Flags Podcast, where his strong opinions immediately captured attention and fueled the longstanding rivalry between these iconic drivers.
Coulthard’s own credentials lend weight to his assertions, having amassed 13 Grand Prix victories and a runner-up championship finish across a career spanning major teams like Williams and McLaren. Although never a world champion himself, Coulthard has competed alongside legendary figures such as Michael Schumacher, and notably took over for Ayrton Senna following Senna’s tragic passing at Williams. His insight is therefore held in high regard by both fans and fellow competitors.
Coulthard’s Assessment of F1’s Top Contenders
On the podcast, David Coulthard openly discussed his personal ranking of Formula 1’s greatest champions, contrasting the achievements of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. According to his system, Verstappen progressed further than Hamilton, though ultimately Coulthard identified Ayrton Senna as his top all-time champion. This perspective adds an extra dimension to debates surrounding the all-time best, as it places current stars in context with historical legends.
Pressed to declare who stands out among today’s giants, Coulthard’s response was unwavering.
“I’m going to go with Max.”
— David Coulthard, McLaren Icon. This definitive endorsement highlighted his conviction that Verstappen currently edges Hamilton, reinforcing his belief that the Dutch driver brings something extra to the grid.
Recent Performance Sways the Debate
Coulthard’s critical evaluation stems largely from recent F1 seasons, contrasting the career trajectories and present career stages of both frontrunners. He outlined the difficulties Hamilton has faced since his period of peak dominance.
“It’s very difficult to separate them in terms of Hamilton at his peak, and I keep saying that because I’m not sure that he is at his peak anymore,”
— David Coulthard, McLaren Icon. This comment suggests that Coulthard’s assessment weighs current form heavily, and not just career statistics.
He argued that a defining trait of true champions is their ability to consistently outperform teammates. In the case of Hamilton, recent results against George Russell and Charles Leclerc seem telling.
“In the last couple of years, [Hamilton] didn’t do that with George [Russell]. And it doesn’t feel like he’s done that with Charles [Leclerc].”
— David Coulthard, McLaren Icon. For context, Hamilton’s last commanding edge over a teammate was against Valtteri Bottas during their partnership from 2017 to 2021. These competitive dynamics are central to how Coulthard distinguishes Verstappen’s reputation from Hamilton’s in today’s competitive landscape.
Measuring Championship Quality: Beyond Opinion
Coulthard urges fans to look past personal preferences and focus on measurable results.
“If we put opinions to one side and just use what are the two things that are ultimately important in Formula 1, it’s a stopwatch and a chequered flag,”
— David Coulthard, McLaren Icon. His perspective suggests that championships and outright speed are the criteria by which champions must ultimately be judged. He acknowledges, however, Hamilton’s enduring stature:
“Everything else is opinion… the outright speed is maybe not there with Lewis anymore, but you’ve got to give him so much respect.”
— David Coulthard, McLaren Icon. This nuanced view offers both admiration and critique of Hamilton’s career, while signaling the evolving nature of competition at the highest level.
Regarding Verstappen, Coulthard identified possibilities yet unrealized:
“With Max, it still feels like he’s developing; it feels like there is more to come. How far can this guy go?”
— David Coulthard, McLaren Icon. Such remarks feed speculation not only about Verstappen’s present form, but about how his legacy may further grow, especially as he competes against established legends and rising talents alike.
Ripple Effects Across the F1 World
Coulthard’s outspoken stance reignites the ongoing rivalry between Verstappen and Hamilton, two drivers whose achievements and personalities have long polarized fans and pundits. His comments also elevate the debate among world champions, echoing similar discussions involving names like Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher. Present-day storylines, including George Russell, Charles Leclerc, and Valtteri Bottas, continue shaping the narrative within top teams such as Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari.
With other F1 news swirling—such as Juan Pablo Montoya’s perspectives on Sergio Perez, Saood Variawa’s Dakar heroics for Toyota, and the abrupt FIA exit of Niels Wittich—the context for Coulthard’s remarks is especially charged. His belief that Verstappen is developing into an all-time great, while Hamilton may be past his peak, is certain to provoke strong reactions within the sporting community and beyond.
As debates intensify over who deserves the title of the sport’s greatest, or GOAT, contributions from respected figures like Coulthard keep the conversation dynamic and relevant. The Max Verstappen F1 champion debate remains far from resolved, promising continued passion and debate as both drivers’ legacies evolve on and off the track.
