The contrasting performances of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton during the 2025 Formula 1 season have reignited an intense debate over who truly deserves to be considered the best driver of this generation. While neither outcome has gone unnoticed, the difference in results and perception has divided fans, experts, and former drivers alike, prompting renewed discussion across the F1 paddock.
Max Verstappen’s 2025 campaign did not end with a victory, yet it still placed his extraordinary abilities firmly in the spotlight. Even without standing on the top step of the podium, the Dutch driver once again demonstrated his raw speed, racecraft, and relentless competitive edge. By contrast, Lewis Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari delivered an unexpected disappointment for many supporters who had eagerly anticipated seeing the seven-time world champion shine in red.
This stark contrast inevitably raised the central question: who is really the better driver between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton? A clear and honest answer has now come from David Coulthard, former Formula 1 driver and current Red Bull ambassador, who shared his perspective during an appearance on the Red Flags podcast.
The former British driver acknowledged Hamilton’s immense legacy without hesitation, openly recognising his historic impact on the sport. However, when forced to choose, David Coulthard ultimately sided with Verstappen, explaining the reasoning behind his decision in detail. “I think every generation should be better, that’s what evolution means,” he said. “There is an overlap between generations and Hamilton has been incredible.”
The choice made by Coulthard
According to David Coulthard, the distinction between Verstappen and Hamilton extends beyond pure on-track talent. In his view, it also involves their personal approach to competition and the way they present themselves both inside and outside the car. “There is also a kind of disconnection, and this is just my personal opinion,” he continued.
“I find Max very grounded. He is simply Max, he is present. When he does interviews or press conferences, we immediately know whether he is happy or not, because he says it clearly. He is not afraid to express himself and he takes responsibility for his own beliefs.”
For David Coulthard, this transparency and emotional clarity play an important role in shaping his preference. “You know if he is happy, you know if he is sad, so I choose Verstappen. It is really difficult to separate the two, especially if we think about Hamilton at his peak.”
“Verstappen can still improve”
David Coulthard then addressed what he sees as a crucial difference in their respective career phases. In his opinion, Hamilton may no longer be operating at the absolute peak of his powers, while Verstappen still appears to be evolving as a driver. “I’m not sure Lewis is still at his peak. It’s a controversial thing, especially coming from someone like me, but it seems to me that great drivers equal or beat their team-mates,” he explained.
“In recent years, if I’m not mistaken, that hasn’t happened with George, and it doesn’t seem to be happening with Charles either.”
From David Coulthard’s perspective, this trend suggests that Hamilton has already passed the very best phase of his career, despite still deserving enormous respect for what he continues to bring to Formula 1. “I believe Lewis’s pure speed may not quite be what it once was, even though he still deserves huge respect. With Max, on the other hand, it feels like there is still margin. It looks like he is still developing,” David Coulthard concluded.
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