Do you assume the large distinction in outcomes between Max Verstappen and his numerous team-mates through the years, in contrast with the nearer battles Lewis Hamilton has had with a few of his (Nico Rosberg, George Russell and Charles Leclerc) says extra about Max, or the standard of his team-mates? – Simon
This can be a very complicated query, to which it is not potential to offer a definitive reply, as a result of there are such a lot of variables.
Sure, Verstappen has had an enormous benefit over a number of of his team-mates, particularly in recent times.
However he and Carlos Sainz had been comparatively evenly matched in 2015 – in reality, on common qualifying tempo, Sainz was barely forward over their yr and a bit as team-mates.
And the identical went for Daniel Ricciardo, though Verstappen inched his manner from a bit of bit behind the Australian on common in 2016 to definitively, if not massively, forward by the tip of 2018.
After that, you additionally should think about Verstappen’s pre-eminence within the Crimson Bull group, the truth that the whole lot was solely centered on him, and that the Crimson Bull automotive ended up in a spot the place it was very tough to drive.
Even so, Sergio Perez did beat Verstappen on advantage a handful of instances.
On the identical time, earlier than arriving at Ferrari, Hamilton had definitively overwhelmed all his team-mates via his profession aside from Fernando Alonso in 2007, after they had been to all intents and functions even, and George Russell over there years at Mercedes.
Jenson Button scored extra factors than Hamilton over their three years collectively at McLaren from 2010-12 however Hamilton completed forward two of the three years and scored significantly extra wins. He additionally had a tough season in 2011 when off-track components affected his driving.
It can be argued that, on stability, Hamilton has had a better calibre of team-mate for extra of his profession than Verstappen.
What Verstappen has not had alongside him since 2018 is a driver who’s each skilled and a recognised high liner.
It could be fascinating to see him alongside Leclerc, Russell or one of many McLaren drivers, for instance.
Having stated all of that, although, proper now just about everybody in Method 1 accepts that Verstappen is the stand-out driver on the grid. He is proper up there within the debate about who’s the best of all time.
