The greatest of all time debate is a never-ending topic, be it any sport. In F1 these days, Lewis Hamilton vs. Max Verstappen is the hottest debate. Statistically, Hamilton is far ahead of Verstappen, of course. However, the Red Bull ace has obliterated every opposition in his way the past few years.
So, both Hamilton and Verstappen backers have strong arguments to make. And that’s why Guenther Steiner said both drivers are incredible, playing it diplomatically.
Then again, he still picked Hamilton as a stronger, greatest-ever candidate than Verstappen. The Brit is not his choice of GOAT, though.
In the ‘Gas and Brake’ segment of the Red Flags Podcast, when he was asked whether Verstappen is the greatest of all time, Steiner said “brake”. That meant he disagreed with the statement. Steiner then provided his reasoning.
“He hasn’t won seven championships,” reasoned Steiner. “He won four. And he still needs to win, but he’s very good. But otherwise, if we make him the greatest now, we have nothing to expect anymore from him.”
But Hamilton isn’t the only driver to have won seven championships. Michael Schumacher is a legit GOAT candidate in many people’s books. So, Steiner was quizzed on who was the greater driver between Schumi and Hamilton.
Steiner snubbed both the racing legends, giving a cryptic answer that sounded like a vague prophecy.
“He’s yet to come. He or she has yet to reveal themselves,” said Steiner, perplexing the two hosts of the podcasts. Evidently, Steiner tried to play it safe here.
The predominant opinion is that any driver among Schumacher, Hamilton, and Ayrton Senna is the greatest of all time.
Juan Manuel Fangio is also regarded as one of the greatest by sizable followers of the sport. Meanwhile, Verstappen is slowly making his case. He is already considered among the top five drivers of all time.
Verstappen has indicated that the next contract he signs would be his last in F1. This could indicate that he could opt to retire way too early as compared to other great drivers in the sport.
This season, Verstappen could find it hard to win his 5th title. And should he not win, youngsters like Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri are waiting in the wings, ready to conquer the sport.
That would make it harder for the Dutch superstar to add to his number of championship wins and stake a statistical claim in the GOAT debate to counter Hamilton.
