Max Verstappen has surged past Lewis Hamilton in a surprising twist within the Max Verstappen F1 champion ranking debate, following a bold declaration from respected former driver David Coulthard. The F1 community is abuzz after Coulthard named Verstappen over Hamilton on a recent podcast, creating heated discussion among fans and experts.
Ranking Titans: Verstappen and Hamilton Compared
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton stand as major figures in Formula 1, each with remarkable achievements. Verstappen, known for his fierce competitiveness, recently secured his fourth world title, narrowly missing a fifth in Abu Dhabi by just two points to Lando Norris. Despite this setback, Verstappen’s record remains impressive.
On the other hand, Lewis Hamilton has set records for wins, podiums, and pole positions in F1 history. Hamilton shares the all-time championship record at seven with the legendary Michael Schumacher, establishing him as a dominant force in racing. Yet, with the rise of Verstappen, the debate over the top F1 champion continues to evolve.
David Coulthard’s Controversial Choice
The recent stir originated from the Red Flags podcast, where David Coulthard was asked to rate F1 champions in a knockout format. During a high-stakes semi-final round that matched Verstappen against Hamilton, the former driver made a striking decision:
“I’m going to go with Max.”
David Coulthard, Former F1 Driver
Coulthard justified his pick by reinforcing the concept of progress in sports over time.
“Every generation should be better, that’s what evolution is.”
David Coulthard, Former F1 Driver
His admiration for Verstappen’s character also factored in, adding,
“Max, I find him very grounded. If he’s here, it’s just Max. He’s present… if he’s not happy, he says it, and he’s not shy to say that.”
David Coulthard, Former F1 Driver
The Hamilton Context: Recent Challenges and Shifting Perceptions
Recent seasons have presented hurdles for Hamilton, especially as he adapted to life at Ferrari. His struggles in direct comparison with teammates George Russell and Charles Leclerc have been noted, with Coulthard reflecting candidly on Hamilton’s form:
“It just feels like the greats match their team-mates or beat their team-mates,”
David Coulthard, Former F1 Driver
This observation has fueled additional speculation about whether Hamilton’s era of dominance may be waning. Coulthard further commented on what defines ultimate F1 success:
“If we just use the two things that are ultimately important in F1, it’s the stopwatch and the chequered flag.”
David Coulthard, Former F1 Driver
He alluded that while Hamilton’s achievements remain unparalleled, his pure speed may no longer meet his previous standards.
Verstappen’s Upward Momentum
Max Verstappen, by contrast, seems to be improving as each season passes. Coulthard shared his perspective on Verstappen’s continuing growth in the sport:
“It still feels like he’s developing, it still feels like there’s more to come.”
David Coulthard, Former F1 Driver
Verstappen’s evolution as a driver and ongoing rivalry with other greats, such as Ayrton Senna and Hamilton, keeps the debate alive over who stands as the sport’s greatest champion.
Looking Ahead: F1’s Future and the Ongoing Debate
In the final stage of Coulthard’s ranking, Verstappen took on the legendary Ayrton Senna, with Senna ultimately being selected as the best. This underscores that, in the eyes of some experts, the battle for the title of the greatest F1 champion remains unresolved. Key figures like Michael Schumacher, drivers including Charles Leclerc and George Russell, and teams such as Ferrari continue shaping the narrative.
With transformative changes coming in 2026—including new regulations featuring movable wings, advanced hybrid systems, and fully sustainable fuel—Formula 1 is on the brink of a major shift. As discussions around Max Verstappen F1 champion ranking persist, many will be watching to see how Verstappen, Hamilton, and their peers respond to these evolving challenges and opportunities. The coming seasons promise even more drama and achievement in the world of F1.
