Amid the ongoing F1 greatest driver debate Verstappen continues to dominate, a fellow driver has decisively named Max Verstappen as the sport’s greatest of all time, overlooking Lewis Hamilton despite his legendary status. This statement came during the 2025 season, when rookie Gabriel Bortoleto credited Verstappen with significant influence on his rise in Formula 1.
Lewis Hamilton, with seven world championships and 105 Grand Prix victories, remains one of the most accomplished drivers in F1 history. However, Gabriel Bortoleto, a newcomer to the sport this year, openly described Verstappen as the ultimate driver, emphasizing the Dutchman’s racing intelligence and professionalism as unmatched.
Gabriel Bortoleto’s admiration for Verstappen’s skills and guidance
Gabriel Bortoleto, who scored his first F1 points with an eighth-place finish at the Austrian Grand Prix during the 2025 campaign, has stood out as one of the promising rookies. Managed by two-time champion Fernando Alonso, Bortoleto has had the benefit of excellent mentorship but chose Verstappen as his prime role model given their close relationship.
In an interview with Autosport, Bortoleto praised Verstappen’s approach to racing, highlighting his exceptional understanding of the sport and his patience behind the wheel. He stated,
“Max is an amazing guy. For me, together with Ayrton Senna, he’s the best driver ever. I truly see Max as one of the best out there. I really admire the way he approaches racing, the understanding of racing that he has, his understanding of the car, and the patience he shows in everything he does.”
He further elaborated,
I see him as an example of a driver I would like to become – in terms of his expertise in racing and everything.
Verstappen as a mentor shaping future F1 talents
Max Verstappen began his Formula 1 career at just 17 years old, understanding firsthand the challenges facing young drivers competing against established champions. This experience has informed his role as a mentor for this new generation of racers, including Bortoleto.
Bortoleto’s career trajectory illustrates this influence: after winning the Formula 3 championship, he joined McLaren’s development program but faced limited opportunities due to the existing driver lineup of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. However, his connection with Verstappen helped him secure a seat at Sauber—soon to transition into Audi—especially with ex-Red Bull executive Jonathan Wheatley leading the team.
The importance of Verstappen’s support was made clear by Bortoleto, who said,
We created a very nice relationship where he helps me a lot. He helped me on my way to Formula 1 with a lot of tips and advice, and a lot of talking to people in the F1 paddock as well, about me,
and added,
I know Max doesn’t speak often about this, and he doesn’t speak about it in the media, that he helped me by talking to people in Formula 1 about me. But he was willing to help me, because he saw I was doing good results.
The significance of Verstappen’s influence amid competitive F1 landscape
While other rookies such as Isack Hadjar show admiration for Lewis Hamilton, Bortoleto’s focus on Verstappen underscores the reigning champion’s growing legacy both on and off the track. His support extends beyond racing skills and includes mentorship in navigating the complex social and professional dynamics of Formula 1.
This dynamic emphasizes Verstappen’s role as a leader of the new generation and illustrates how he is shaping the future of the sport. His willingness to mentor promising drivers could strengthen his influence for years, possibly validating Bortoleto’s high praise and the ongoing debate around the title of the greatest driver.
As the 2025 season progresses and Bortoleto continues to develop, Verstappen’s legacy will likely expand through his direct impact on upcoming talents, alongside his formidable record on the circuit.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is number 13 banned in F1?
A. Yes, the number 13 is permitted. Pastor Maldonado actually chose #13 when the permanent number system started in 2014. While some cultures think 13 is unlucky, F1 let drivers decide for themselves.
Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton’s experiences with ADHD and dyslexia have influenced his life both personally and professionally. His journey changes how we view success in F1 and highlights the importance of acknowledging learning differences.
Q. Is 13 banned in F1?
A. F1 Driver Number Rules Choosing a number: Drivers can pick a permanent number from 2 to 99 for their entire F1 career, except for 17.
Q. Which F1 drivers have ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton, born in 1985, is a British driver in Formula One. He races for Mercedes but has also raced for McLaren. Hamilton openly talks about living with ADHD and shares his wide range of interests and passions.