Max Verstappen set to eclipse Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher to finish F1 GOAT
Max Verstappen could beat Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher to become the greatest F1 driver of all time, according to former McLaren star Pedro de la Rosa. Verstappen clinched his first world title last season under controversial circumstances but has had an easier run his season.
The Dutchman has won eight out of 13 races and enjoys a comfortable lead over his closest rival Charles Leclerc. The defending champion is so far ahead that he can afford not to start the next three races and still be in the lead.
De la Rosa made the comment when asked if Verstappen has the caliber to rank among the sport's greats such as Hamilton, Schumacher and Ayrton Senna. Speaking to Racing News 365, De la Rosa simply replied: "I think Max has what it takes to become one of the best of all time in Formula 1.
"He has all the qualities, that's for sure. Only time will tell which teams he will drive for and how competitive those teams will be in the next 10 years. But Max has everything it takes to become the best."< /p>
READ MORE: Verstappen explains why he'd rather fight Leclerc than Hamilton
Hamilton and Schumacher have each won seven world titles, but age is still on Verstappen's side to come closer. Hamilton was 23 when he won his first title in 2008, months younger than Verstappen.
However, it took the Briton six more seasons to clinch his second crown in 2014. Meanwhile, Schumacher was 25 when he won his first title and 26 when he won his second with Bennetton.
Sebastian Vettel will still be the youngest two-time champion to claim his first two titles at the age of 24. But, Verstappen's current deal with Red Bull runs until 2028 as he has suggested he could stay in F1 after the exceptional contract expires.
CAN'T MISS Max Verstappen and George Russell go head-to-head as Lewis Hamilton snubs [INSIGHT]Max Verstappen like 'every other driver' unlike Lewis Hamilton [COMMENT]Vettel ahead of Hamilton and Verstappen in new starter rankings fast [ANALYSIS]< /p>
If he wins this season, the Dutchman could still have a decade or more to add just five more titles to tie the record. De la Rosa added: "I think he is the best driver at the moment.
"But let's not forget Hamilton, [Fernando] Alonso and Leclerc and I also have a lot of respect for drivers like [Lando] Norris, [George] Russell or [Carlos] Sainz, who are at a high level If I had to choose one driver who is peaking and reaching his highest level right now, it would be Max."
Max Verstappen could beat Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher to become the greatest F1 driver of all time, according to former McLaren star Pedro de la Rosa. Verstappen clinched his first world title last season under controversial circumstances but has had an easier run his season.
The Dutchman has won eight out of 13 races and enjoys a comfortable lead over his closest rival Charles Leclerc. The defending champion is so far ahead that he can afford not to start the next three races and still be in the lead.
De la Rosa made the comment when asked if Verstappen has the caliber to rank among the sport's greats such as Hamilton, Schumacher and Ayrton Senna. Speaking to Racing News 365, De la Rosa simply replied: "I think Max has what it takes to become one of the best of all time in Formula 1.
"He has all the qualities, that's for sure. Only time will tell which teams he will drive for and how competitive those teams will be in the next 10 years. But Max has everything it takes to become the best."< /p>
READ MORE: Verstappen explains why he'd rather fight Leclerc than Hamilton
Hamilton and Schumacher have each won seven world titles, but age is still on Verstappen's side to come closer. Hamilton was 23 when he won his first title in 2008, months younger than Verstappen.
However, it took the Briton six more seasons to clinch his second crown in 2014. Meanwhile, Schumacher was 25 when he won his first title and 26 when he won his second with Bennetton.
Sebastian Vettel will still be the youngest two-time champion to claim his first two titles at the age of 24. But, Verstappen's current deal with Red Bull runs until 2028 as he has suggested he could stay in F1 after the exceptional contract expires.
CAN'T MISS Max Verstappen and George Russell go head-to-head as Lewis Hamilton snubs [INSIGHT]Max Verstappen like 'every other driver' unlike Lewis Hamilton [COMMENT]Vettel ahead of Hamilton and Verstappen in new starter rankings fast [ANALYSIS]< /p>
If he wins this season, the Dutchman could still have a decade or more to add just five more titles to tie the record. De la Rosa added: "I think he is the best driver at the moment.
"But let's not forget Hamilton, [Fernando] Alonso and Leclerc and I also have a lot of respect for drivers like [Lando] Norris, [George] Russell or [Carlos] Sainz, who are at a high level If I had to choose one driver who is peaking and reaching his highest level right now, it would be Max."
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