At 28, Verstappen's Stats Already Rival Hamilton and Schumacher's
At 28, Max Verstappen's stats already rival F1's greatest drivers. He leads in wins and is tied for titles, putting him on a trajectory to challenge the all-time records of Hamilton and Schumacher.
Max Verstappen's statistical record at 28 years old is not just impressive; it's historically dominant, placing him on a similar or superior trajectory to F1 legends like Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher at the same age. While his 'youngest ever' records are now in the past, his cumulative achievements in wins, poles, and titles already rival the sport's all-time greats, cementing his status as a potential all-time great in the making.
Why it matters:
This isn't just a numbers game; it's about defining an era and a legacy. Verstappen's pace puts him on a direct course to challenge the most hallowed records in Formula 1, those of Hamilton and Schumacher. His performance at this young age suggests we are witnessing a driver whose career could ultimately redefine the "greatest of all time" conversation.
By the numbers:
A direct comparison at the exact age of 28 years and 98 days highlights Verstappen's remarkable standing against his legendary peers.
- Race Wins: Verstappen holds a considerable lead in race wins, with Sebastian Vettel a distant second. Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton had significantly fewer victories at the same point in their careers, while icons like Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost had fewer than 10.
- Pole Positions: The gap is much smaller here. Verstappen's 48 poles give him a slight edge over Vettel's 46 at this age, with Hamilton also in close proximity, followed by Senna and Schumacher.
- World Titles: The Dutchman is tied with Vettel for four World Championships. This is double the two titles Schumacher had won and quadruple the single title Hamilton had secured by age 28. Senna and Prost were still title-less.
- Context: It's worth noting that Verstappen's higher number of race starts compared to legends like Senna and Prost is partly due to the expanded F1 calendar in recent years.
The big picture:
While Juan Manuel Fangio's legacy remains unique due to his late career start, this comparison places Verstappen firmly in the conversation with the modern era's titans. His achievements at 28 are not just a reflection of his immense talent but also of his sustained dominance in a highly competitive era. If he maintains this trajectory, the arguments for his place in the pantheon of F1 greats will only grow stronger.