Palou Predicts Verstappen Will Be Considered the Greatest in F1 History
IndyCar champion Alex Palou predicts Max Verstappen will be hailed as Formula 1's greatest driver ever within the next ten years. Despite Verstappen's narrow title miss in 2025, Palou's endorsement, based on observing current talent, highlights the Red Bull driver's towering reputation among his peers.
Two-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou believes that, given another decade in Formula 1, Max Verstappen will be remembered as the greatest driver of all time. This endorsement comes despite Verstappen narrowly missing out on the 2025 world championship, highlighting the profound respect the Red Bull driver commands from his peers across motorsport disciplines.
Why it matters:
The "GOAT" (Greatest of All Time) debate in Formula 1 is a perennial topic, often centered on legends like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Lewis Hamilton. For a current champion from a top-tier series like IndyCar to anoint a still-active driver as the future ultimate benchmark speaks volumes about Verstappen's perceived talent and the trajectory of his career. It underscores a shift in perspective among modern drivers who witness his performance firsthand.
The details:
In an interview for Marca's Advent Calendar, Palou, who himself enjoyed a dominant 2025 season mirroring Verstappen's 2023 form, was asked to name the best driver. His response reflected the difficulty of cross-era comparisons while making a strong case for Verstappen's future legacy.
- Palou acknowledged his childhood hero was Michael Schumacher but conceded that nostalgia and a lack of technical understanding as a youth might color that view.
- He stated it's impossible for him to fairly compare drivers from eras he didn't witness, like that of Ayrton Senna.
- Looking at the current grid, Palou identified Verstappen as the driver most likely to achieve ultimate historical status, contingent on a continued decade of high performance.
The big picture:
Palou's comments align with a growing narrative that Verstappen's peak performance level is extraordinary, even in a season where he lost the title. This was validated by the official F1 Power Rankings for 2025, which named Verstappen the highest-rated driver of the year, outscoring champion Lando Norris and his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri based on pure performance metrics. The recognition from a fellow champion like Palou adds significant weight to the argument that Verstappen's driving, rather than just his car's advantage, is a defining factor of this era.
What's next:
The debate will rage on, fueled by every future victory and championship battle. Verstappen's quest for a fifth title in 2026 will be the next chapter. If he can reclaim the crown and sustain his performance deep into his career, as Palou suggests, the historical argument in his favor will only intensify. For now, a leading voice from outside the F1 paddock has placed a compelling bet on Verstappen's ultimate legacy.