David Croft reveals whether he now ranks Max Verstappen above Lewis Hamilton in F1 GOAT debate

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Max Verstappen appears to be in his prime at Red Bull. It could be argued that the 2025 season has been his most impressive yet, even though his title streak is likely to come to an end.

The ongoing second-driver crisis at Red Bull makes it difficult to evaluate just how good the car is. What’s certain is that McLaren have the best car, which has allowed them to win 14 out of 21 races so far.

And yet, Verstappen is still a factor in the title race at round 22. His five wins and seven pole positions have been some of the hardest-earned of his career.

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Even though he’s now the underdog, his reputation is now improving, if anything. Title favourite Lando Norris recently called Verstappen the greatest F1 driver ever, confirming that he’s entered that conversation.

David Croft says Lewis Hamilton is still greater than Max Verstappen – for now

Speaking on the Dan Patrick Show before the Las Vegas Grand Prix, long-serving F1 commentator David Croft was asked about his fellow Stevenage native Lewis Hamilton.

Hamilton is the most successful F1 driver ever, but he’s only won two races in the last four seasons and is rapidly approaching a first year without a podium finish.

In Vegas, Hamilton qualified 20th for the first time since the 2017 Brazilian GP, and this time it was on pure pace.

There are growing signs that Hamilton is in decline at Ferrari, but even with Verstappen at the top of his game, Croft hasn’t changed his mind in the F1 ‘GOAT’ debate.

“He’s the greatest we’ve ever seen in this sport,” Croft said of Hamilton. “He’s a seven-time world champion, should be an eight-time world champion – Abu Dhabi 2021.

“Verstappen could [catch him]. If Max Verstappen has a car that can give him a championship challenge, he is more than good enough to get to seven, eight or nine.

“He is an exceptional talent. Lewis has gone and done it.

“This year, Max has driven superbly well and has not always got the results he deserved, because the car’s just not been there for him. He finished a minute off the pace in Hungary.

“Red Bull got their act together after the summer break and he started winning again, by which time, sadly, the championship is a bit too far away from him.

“Lewis to me is the greatest, not just for what he’s done on the track, but also the way he’s used his platform to highlight issues that need highlighting.”

There’s only one way Max Verstappen won’t beat Lewis Hamilton’s title tally

As Croft explained, Verstappen’s car has held him back this year. Likewise, Hamilton hasn’t had a contending package in the ground-effect era.

But Verstappen won’t stay at Red Bull if they can’t meet his ambitions. His stock is so high that he should have his pick of seats, with the possible exception of McLaren.

• READ MORE: Max Verstappen has ‘already entered into negotiations’ with rival F1 team over 2026 Red Bull fears

There’s no reason the Dutchman shouldn’t be able to dominate the active aero era. Still only 28, he has plenty of time to win as many as nine titles, as Croft says.

However, Verstappen could retire early due to his desire to race in other series and his distaste for the off-track responsibilities that come with being an F1 driver. That may stop him taking top spot in the biggest leaderboards.