Source: Official Team Post via X
Ecclestone Revises Opinion: Verstappen Tops All-Time F1 Driver List
Bernie Ecclestone has revised his list of the top F1 drivers, now placing Max Verstappen at the pinnacle. Though Verstappen was not originally in Ecclestone's top five, his recent achievements have shifted the former F1 boss’s perspective.
Bernie Ecclestone, the former head honcho of Formula 1, has had a change of heart about Max Verstappen's place in the sport's pantheon. Previously, Verstappen wasn't even in Ecclestone's top five drivers. But with a collection of four world titles from 2021 to 2024, 73 race victories, and 136 podium finishes, Verstappen has firmly established himself as one of F1's all-time greats.
The Dutchman's aggressive driving style and blistering speed in qualifying have made him a standout figure. Sebastian Vettel has publicly acknowledged Verstappen as Red Bull’s finest, recognizing his unique talent.
Looking ahead, the Verstappen-Gianpiero Lambiase partnership is expected to continue its success in 2026. However, change is on the horizon as Tom Hart will take over as Verstappen’s race engineer from 2027 and for the final three races of 2026.
Initially, Ecclestone’s top five consisted of Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Niki Lauda, and Jochen Rindt, leaving out not only Verstappen but also Lewis Hamilton and Vettel. However, journalist Ralf Bach revealed that Ecclestone now wishes to revise his list, placing Verstappen at the very top.
Bach shared this update on the F1-Insider’s YouTube channel, noting that Ecclestone had discussed his rankings in a podcast with Eddie Jordan. Despite not originally featuring in the list, Verstappen’s recent performances have prompted Ecclestone to reconsider.
Ecclestone has previously compared Verstappen to Schumacher, particularly after the Dutchman’s victory at the 2024 Sao Paulo GP. Though Verstappen isn’t currently dominating under the 2026 regulations as Ecclestone once predicted, he is poised to finish possibly in second place after recent wins.
This acknowledgment from Ecclestone, a man who has seen it all in the world of F1, underscores the impact Verstappen has had on the sport. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Verstappen to see if he can continue to climb the ranks and add more accolades to his already impressive resume.