Breaking: Max Verstappen gives thoughts on overtaking Lewis Hamilton to become F1…read more
Max Verstappen gives thoughts on overtaking Lewis Hamilton to become F1…read more
Max Verstappen has made it clear that he has no interest in chasing the title of Formula 1’s “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT), despite his remarkable 2024 season, which saw him move closer to Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher in terms of World Championships.
Hamilton, with 105 Grand Prix victories, 104 pole positions, and 202 podium finishes, is widely regarded as the most successful driver in F1 history. However, Verstappen, at just 27 years old, has already achieved 63 wins, 40 poles, and 112 podiums, placing him on a trajectory that could see him surpass Hamilton’s career stats in the coming years. With the calendar now featuring 24 races per season, Verstappen’s chances of matching or even exceeding Hamilton’s achievements look increasingly plausible.
Despite this potential, Verstappen has stated that he is not driven by the desire to break records. In an interview with Viaplay, he expressed his indifference towards the ongoing GOAT debate. “I don’t care, to be honest,” Verstappen said. “I’m very happy with what I’m doing. At the end of the day, that’s a debate with a lot of different opinions, so for me, that doesn’t matter. I just want to have fun and win as much as I can.” This highlights his focus on enjoying the sport and achieving success without the pressure of chasing historical milestones.
Verstappen’s mindset contrasts with that of some other drivers, like Hamilton, who may continue racing into their forties, following in the footsteps of Fernando Alonso. However, Verstappen does not foresee himself racing for as long. He is contracted with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season but has hinted at the possibility of retiring from F1 at the peak of his career once that deal expires. His comments suggest that while he is driven to win, he is not focused on prolonging his career for the sake of accumulating more titles or breaking records.
In summary, while Verstappen’s impressive stats put him in a position to challenge the records of Hamilton and Schumacher, he remains uninterested in the title of F1’s GOAT. Instead, his priority is to enjoy his racing career, win as much as he can, and retire on his own terms, without the need for record-hunting.
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