It would be an understatement to say that Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have been the two best drivers in recent Formula 1 history. The duo has dominated the sport for the last ten years. Both of them are revered by many as the Greatest of All Time in Formula 1. However, Former F1 driver Jenson Button has claimed that both Verstappen and Hamilton must prove themselves in other racing categories to be called all-time greats.
Many F1 greats have explored other forms of racing and have been quite successful at it. The name that springs to mind considering the current F1 grid, would be Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard has consistently taken part in other racing disciplines and managed to win too. He won the 24 hours of Daytona in 2019. He also has two 24 hours of Le Mans victories to his name.
As for Hamilton or Verstappen, they have yet to try out any different class of competitive racing other than Formula 1. Most of the non-F1 cars driven by Hamilton or Verstappen have been part of marketing stunts. Neither of them has made it clear what they want to do regarding racing after retiring from Formula 1.
Jenson Button’s idea of ‘Great’
2009 World Champion Jenson Button has his own idea of being ‘great’ in the world of racing. The Australian has claimed that an F1 driver can only call himself a ‘great’ if he proves his racing skills outside of Formula 1. Button himself is competing in the 2023 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Talking to The Times, Button said, “There’s every possibility that Max [Verstappen] could go down as the greatest. But I like the idea that you can’t be the best driver in the world if you haven’t stepped outside of F1.”
Button used the example of Alonso to prove his point further. “Fernando has done a phenomenal job. He left F1 and came and raced in Le Mans and Daytona, won both, then won Le Mans again.” As of now, Alonso is having a brilliant run of form in Formula 1 with Aston Martin. Even at the age of 41, he has managed to claim five podiums in the 2023 F1 season.
Where is the future headed for Max Verstappen?
There is a slight possibility that Verstappen might explore other forms of motorsports after his time in Formula 1. He is already an ardent eSports driver, spending most of his time at Sim Racing. He participates in various eSports events, the latest being the virtual 24 hours of Le Mans.
Verstappen has spoken about his desire to compete in other disciplines of racing. In an interview with Sky Sports, Verstappen said, “I love doing Le Mans, I love doing other 24-hour races, I love watching the GT3 cars go around the Nordschleife.”
He continued and explained that he wanted to experience all of these races. Most importantly, he does not want to be at the end of his racing career when he sets foot in other forms of racing. He wants to do them at his peak. Therefore, fans might see Verstappen conquering other racing series after he finishes Formula 1.
