Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 Formula 1 World Champion, has expressed skepticism regarding Jeremy Clarkson’s assertion that Max Verstappen might be the greatest Formula 1 driver in history. Clarkson, known for his bold opinions, recently wrote in his column for The Sun that Verstappen “may even be the greatest driver we’ve ever seen.” Villeneuve, however, disagrees, arguing that such comparisons across different eras are both unfair and impossible.
Speaking to Grosvenor Sport, Villeneuve questioned the logic behind Clarkson’s claim, emphasizing the difficulty in comparing modern F1 drivers to legends like Juan Manuel Fangio, who dominated the sport during the 1950s. Villeneuve highlighted that the evolution of Formula 1, from advancements in technology to changes in race formats, has created vastly different challenges for drivers across generations. “How can Jeremy Clarkson say Max Verstappen is the greatest of all time?” Villeneuve asked, suggesting that greatness in F1 is too nuanced to be simplified into a single declaration.
While Villeneuve acknowledged Verstappen’s exceptional talent and dominance in recent seasons, he pointed out that success today is heavily influenced by the capabilities of the car and team support. He commended Verstappen’s hunger and competitive spirit but stopped short of agreeing that he could already be considered the greatest of all time. For Villeneuve, titles and records alone don’t define a driver’s legacy, as context and competition also play crucial roles.
Villeneuve also reflected on the challenges of directly comparing drivers from different eras. Fangio, for instance, competed in an era without the technological aids and safety standards present today, making his achievements a testament to sheer skill and bravery. Similarly, other F1 icons like Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher shaped their legacies in unique ways, each battling their own set of circumstances.
Ultimately, Villeneuve believes that Verstappen’s journey is far from over and remains optimistic about his potential. He even predicted that the Red Bull driver could match or surpass Schumacher’s record of seven World Championships, provided he continues to perform at his current level. However, Villeneuve insists that assigning the “greatest of all time” title requires a broader perspective—one that considers not just statistics but also the essence of the sport through its history.