Lewis Hamilton holds the record for most F1 world championships (seven) and race victories (105). Despite this, close title battles mean he narrowly missed out on even more. This has sparked a fan debate: how many titles would Max Verstappen have won in Hamilton's dominant machinery?
Why it matters
This discussion highlights the razor-thin margins in F1 championship fights, fueling the ongoing 'greatest of all time' debate between two dominant figures. It also underscores how pivotal a few races can be in a career.
Hamilton's title heartbreaks
Hamilton has faced three significant title heartbreaks, leading to close misses:
- 2007: Lost by a single point to Kimi Räikkönen in his rookie season.
- 2016: Finished just five points behind Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg.
- 2021: Infamously surrendered the crown to Max Verstappen on the final lap in Abu Dhabi.
Fan speculation on Verstappen
F1 fans were polled on how many titles Verstappen might have won in Hamilton's cars. The consensus suggests he could have accumulated nine championships.
- Many believe Verstappen would have easily beaten Nico Rosberg in 2016.
- Fans also argue he would have taken the 'rocketship' Mercedes to victory in 2021.
- Some noted that Hamilton's early titles predated the cost cap, which has since leveled the playing field.
Max Verstappen's current standing
Verstappen has already secured four F1 championships and is third on the all-time wins list with 65 victories. While widely considered the quickest driver on the current grid, he maintains a low-profile, 'pure racer' image. Despite a divisive driving style, colleagues speak highly of him.
What's next
This hypothetical scenario underscores the intense competition. While a Verstappen-Hamilton rematch in future seasons remains a dream for Liberty Media, the debate continues over who would truly excel in different eras and machinery.