Max Verstappen, Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Red Bull star Max Verstappen has written his name into the F1 history books after stunning title victories but he has been told that he will never match the best drivers of all time
Ex-Mercedes AMG F1 chief Nick Fry has told Max Verstappen he still has work to do to match the achievements of Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher.
The Dutchman has added his name to the F1 history books over recent seasons with a series of stunning campaigns. The Red Bull star has won each of the last three titles in succession – his most recent being one of the most dominant in the history of motorsport.
Max Verstappen’s 2023 success sees him match the likes of Niki Lauda and Ayrton Senna on three titles. Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton still sit top of the tree with seven F1 crowns each.
Fry has given his assessment on who he believes is the greatest driver of all time and reckons Verstappen still has more to do if he is to secure a legacy. He said: “Michael Schumacher will be remembered for more than winning. My personal favourite is Ayrton Senna.
“He added a romantic appeal to the sport because he was mysteriously thoughtful, super bright, and died before his time. He was the James Dean of F1. It’s a predictable answer, but he’d be on my list as the greatest of all time. It’s more than just winning races.
“I think Lewis Hamilton would be my third choice behind Senna and Schumacher. Hamilton has done a lot to broaden the appeal of F1. It’s not just due to his race, but also his interest in music and carving his own path. He’s doing his own thing, appealing to a new crowd who have been introduced to F1 as a result.
“You also have to consider drivers’ starting points. Lewis came from a very regular background, and Lewis is up there due to what he’s been able to achieve himself.
“Max Verstappen can very well finish as the most successful driver ever, but I’m not sure if he’ll be the most heroic and the one who’ll they’ll make movies about. All of the truly great drivers have done something as well as winning races, great achievement though that is.”
Max Verstappen will be aiming to close the gap to both Hamilton and Schumacher at the top of the all-time standings during the upcoming season. The 2024 campaign gets underway on Saturday March 2 in Bahrain.
Max Verstappen could potentially become the fifth driver to claim four titles in a row with another success after Hamilton, Schumacher, Juan Manuel Fangio and Sebastian Vettel. Elsewhere, Hamilton will be keen to become the outright most successful driver in F1 history with an eighth success and his first since 2020.
