Verstappen vs Hamilton: Who’s Really the Best? Clarkson Has His Strong Opinion The recent Grand Prix races have clearly been spectacular, but it’s a statement from the famous Top Gear presenter that has really shaken the paddocks after the race.
Jeremy Clarkson shared his opinion on Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton’s performances, and he didn’t hold back. With Verstappen dominating every race and Hamilton seemingly past his prime, it’s safe to say the debates are far from over.
Read more:
- The most successful F1 driver in the most successful team in 2025 was hiding a big secret
- 185 mph in the corners thanks to an invisible element that generates more than 50% of the downforce in Formula 1
Max Verstappen: already a legend
For Jeremy Clarkson, there’s no question-Max Verstappen is a real talent. At the Brazilian GP, the Dutch driver once again showed just how good he is. After pulling out a 62-point lead over his closest rival, Lando Norris, Verstappen seemed to dominate the race from start to finish. Clarkson’s verdict? The debate’s over: “Max Verstappen is one of the greatest drivers in F1 history. He might even be the best we’ve ever seen.” It’s a bold statement, but one that reflects Clarkson’s deep respect for Verstappen’s consistency and talent. The Red Bull driver has clearly hit his stride this season, with flawless pit stops, exceptional tire management, and overtakes that continue to wow fans. The question now is: Is Max already the greatest of all time?
Lewis Hamilton: a champion on decline
But in this analysis, Clarkson didn’t just praise Verstappen. He also made a pretty sharp conclusion about Lewis Hamilton. Despite his status as a seven-time world champion, the Mercedes driver struggled to shine at Interlagos, finishing a disappointing tenth. While it’s known that qualifying performance can sometimes be affected by external factors, the contrast with his teammate George Russell, who managed to secure the front row, left Clarkson puzzled. For the presenter, Hamilton seems to have passed a certain point. “Lewis Hamilton is no longer in his prime,” he said. When you think about it, age does eventually play a role, even in the ruthless world of Formula 1. With Verstappen seemingly having found his rhythm, Hamilton may find it difficult to make a comeback, especially with changes on the horizon for him, like his move to Ferrari at the end of the season. It’s an opportunity for a fresh start, but with the weight of experience.
Future challenges for Mercedes AMG
While Hamilton’s performance has been widely discussed, Mercedes’ performance, and more specifically that of F1 car, has also been at the center of the debate. Although Hamilton mentioned issues with his car, it’s important to note that his teammate managed to make the most of the situation, securing a spot on the front row. The Mercedes car doesn’t seem to be on the same level as Red Bull this year, nor even McLaren or Ferrari. A championship title will be impossible for the German team this year. Add to that some questionable strategic decisions and a lack of adaptability on certain circuits, and it’s clear that Mercedes still has a lot of work to do for 2025, especially with a promising yet inexperienced rookie to manage: Kimi Antonelli.
https://wearewearside.com/2024/11/11/formula-1-a-country-is-set-to-buy-out-a-team-to-save-it-a-historic-first/
This article explores the evolving performances of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, Clarkson’s critiques of Mercedes‘ form, and the challenges ahead for F1’s future. The rivalry between the two is more intense than ever, but time might just work in Verstappen’s favor.
