In a bold statement, Red Bull rookie Isack Hadjar named Lewis Hamilton as Formula 1's Greatest of All Time (GOAT), bypassing his own team's reigning champion, Max Verstappen. Hadjar's comments come after an electrifying 2024 season, in which Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive world title while Hamilton ended his nearly 1,000-day win drought with a triumphant Grand Prix win. -Brittany.
Verstappen's dominance, but no GOAT status?
Max Verstappen's 2024 campaign further cemented his dominance in Formula 1. The brilliant Dutchman helped him win a fourth consecutive championship and cemented his position as one of the sport's all-time greats. However, for 20-year-old Hadjar, it is Hamilton who remains the pinnacle of greatness.
“Lewis Hamilton's career is on another level. The numbers are simply crazy. For me, this is the GOAT. He's my favorite driver. He inspired me so much,” Hadjar said, unreservedly praising the seven-time world champion.
Hamilton's influence: a “reference point” for Hadjar
Despite Hamilton's relative struggles in 2024, where he finished sixth in the standings, Hadjar sees the Briton as the most complete driver in F1 history. He considers Hamilton his inspiration and the benchmark against which he measures his own aspirations.
“I think he is the most complete driver there is. Since I started racing single-seaters, I have become even more interested in Formula 1, and it was clear to me that Lewis was the one to beat and the benchmark for me,” Hadjar explained.
Hadjar's admiration goes beyond statistics and titles, as he highlighted his emotional connection to Hamilton, saying: “I really love this guy and he inspires me so much in everything I do.”
Hadjar's challenge: a rookie in Verstappen's shadow
As Hadjar prepares for his 2025 debut with Red Bull, where he will team up with Yuki Tsunoda, his choice of Hamilton over Verstappen as the GOAT is sure to spark interest. Many will be watching to see if Hadjar's performance on the grid matches his bold opinions off it.
With several rookies entering the F1 scene next season, Hadjar faces stiff competition to make a name for himself. However, his admiration for Hamilton could serve as the motivational fuel he needs to excel at the pinnacle of motorsport.
Hamilton vs. Verstappen: The Eternal Debate
Hadjar's comments reignite the perennial debate over F1's GOAT. With Hamilton boasting seven world titles and a career record, Verstappen's dominance in recent years has put him firmly in the conversation. For Hadjar, however, Hamilton's versatile skills and impact on the sport remain unmatched.
As the 2025 season approaches, the stage is set not only for Hadjar's debut, but also for continued discussions about the legacy of F1's greatest drivers. Will Verstappen's growing achievements challenge Hamilton's status in Hadjar's eyes, or will the Briton's lasting influence continue to inspire the sport's rising stars?
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