Jenson Button’s ‘best racing driver’ Max Verstappen claim has left Formula 1 fans all saying the same thing

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Jenson Button has weighed in on one of the biggest ongoing debates in Formula 1.

Max Verstappen is at the centre of everything being discussed in the world of Formula 1 right now.

Mercedes have been linked with a move for Verstappen, with the Dutchman reportedly considering his Red Bull future.

Verstappen currently sits third in the drivers’ championship heading into the British Grand Prix.

The next few races could be crucial for the Dutchman, with Verstappen’s get-out clause potentially set to activate if he or Red Bull don’t score enough points.

There’s an obvious reason why Mercedes want to sign Verstappen, despite George Russell’s brilliant start to the 2025 campaign.

Jenson Button has had his say on where Verstappen ranks among the best drivers in Formula 1’s history, and plenty of fans have had their say on his opinion.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Jenson Button says Max Verstappen is the ‘best racing driver’ to have taken part in Formula 1

Button was asked about Verstappen’s Formula 1 future and explained: “The good thing that Max has in his favour is he’s probably the best racing driver that’s ever raced in a Formula 1 car, [in my view].

“So, everyone wants him! So, it’s a nice position to be in, but it’s also tricky to really pick and choose, as you said, who’s going to be competitive next year.

“I think that Red Bull is a team that’s given him so much over the years, and this car really suits his driving style, but are they going to be good enough next year?

“Everyone’s talking about the power units, the power unit of the Mercedes seems to be very strong compared to everything else, so he wants to be in a Mercedes, but can they deliver the car for him that suits his driving style? Who knows?”

Charles Leclerc recently suggested Lewis Hamilton was F1’s best-ever driver, having won seven world championships so far in his career.

Verstappen’s best-ever season in F1 was even more dominant than Michael Schumacher’s, but a lot of fans think the Dutchman still has a long way to go to be considered Formula 1’s best driver.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Jenson Button from fairy tale 2009 world championship to net worth

F1 fans react to Jenson Button calling Max Verstappen the ‘best racing driver’

It’s safe to say that many fans believe that Verstappen has the potential to be Formula 1’s greatest driver, but he hasn’t earned that accolade yet.

One comment read: “He’s a very, very good driver, but having said that, having a whole team, in Red Bull, primarily behind him has flattered him. Who can forget Vettel winning nine races in a row in 2013 with Red Bull? People said he was the best of all time back then. They weren’t saying it after he left.”

Another fan said: “Everyone is entitled to their opinion for an F1 driver at this time, [but] before now were many great drivers the best at their time. Max is a good driver, is he the greatest, not yet, can he get there, you bet, but will it be with one team or multiple, who knows.”

“This is really disrespectful to previous drivers, but they can rewrite history all they want,” one fan suggested, while another said, “He is one of the best Jenson, that’s for sure. But not the best ever, c’mon.”

One supporter listed a few drivers who are also up for discussion with Verstappen and said: “Max is good, but you can’t say he’s the best of all time just yet. Senna, Schumacher, Hamilton.”

Another fan gave a compelling reason why Verstappen can’t be considered the greatest racer yet and explained: “Wow, has he just called Max the GOAT despite Max never having a competitive teammate?”

Finally, someone believes that the combination of Verstappen and Antonelli might just be perfect for Mercedes and said: “Well, if I remember correctly, Kimi has quite a similar driving style to Max. Loves a snappy, oversteery car. So if any combo at Mercedes could work to suit both, it’s Max+Kimi.”