In a bold declaration, Red Bull rookie Isack Hadjar has 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, which saw Verstappen secure his fourth consecutive world title while Hamilton ended his nearly 1,000-day win drought with a triumphant British Grand Prix victory.
Verstappen’s Dominance, Yet No GOAT Status?
Max Verstappen’s 2024 campaign further cemented his dominance in Formula 1. The Dutchman’s consistent brilliance delivered him a fourth straight championship and strengthened his case as one of the sport’s all-time greats. However, for 20-year-old Hadjar, it’s Hamilton who remains the pinnacle of greatness.
“Lewis Hamilton’s career is just another level. The numbers are just insane. He’s the GOAT for me. He’s my favorite driver. He inspired me so much,” said Hadjar, unabashedly hailing 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 credits Hamilton as his inspiration and the benchmark by which he measures his own aspirations.
“I think he’s the most complete driver out there. Since I started single-seater racing, I got interested in Formula 1 even more, and it was clear to me that Lewis was the guy to beat and the reference for me,” Hadjar explained.
Hadjar’s admiration goes beyond stats and titles, as he emphasized his emotional connection to Hamilton, stating: “I really love the guy and he just inspires me so much in everything I do.”
Hadjar’s Challenge Ahead: 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 bound to spark intrigue. Many will be watching to see if Hadjar’s performance on the grid matches his bold opinions off it.
With multiple rookies entering the F1 stage next season, Hadjar faces stiff competition to make his mark. 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. While Hamilton boasts seven world titles and a record-breaking career, Verstappen’s dominance in recent years has placed him firmly in the conversation. For Hadjar, however, Hamilton’s all-encompassing skills and impact on the sport remain unparalleled.
As the 2025 season approaches, the stage is set not just for Hadjar’s debut but for continued discussions about the legacy of F1’s greatest drivers. Will Verstappen’s growing achievements challenge Hamilton’s standing in Hadjar’s eyes, or will the Briton’s enduring influence continue to inspire the sport’s rising stars?
