Formula 1 fans can argue about the greatest driver of all time until the end of the season. But before anyone writes off Max Verstappen, they might want to look at what he is doing with the machinery underneath him.
The four-time world champion is no longer in contention for the 2026 title. Kimi Antonelli has emerged as the sport’s new superstar, and Mercedes has become the team to beat.
But does that mean Verstappen has suddenly forgotten how to drive?
Absolutely not.
The Car Is the Problem — Not Max’s Talent
Verstappen finished third at the United States Grand Prix on Oct. 25, but the result did not tell the whole story.
Red Bull struggled with inconsistent power-unit behavior, tire strategy and a costly pit stop. Verstappen himself said the team had too many issues to fight for the victory.
He still managed to reach the podium.
That is what makes Verstappen so dangerous. Give him a car capable of challenging for wins, and he can turn a race weekend into a nightmare for everyone else.
Red Bull showed exactly that potential just weeks ago. Verstappen won consecutive races in Malaysia and Singapore, reminding the paddock that his speed had not disappeared.
The problem is that his team has struggled to maintain that level of performance.
Remember What This Driver Has Already Done
Verstappen is a four-time world champion. He has delivered dominant seasons, extraordinary qualifying laps and race performances that have left rivals searching for answers.
His 2023 campaign, in particular, was one of the most dominant seasons in Formula 1 history.
That résumé does not disappear because Mercedes has the stronger package in 2026.
Antonelli deserves enormous credit for what he is accomplishing. But comparing drivers requires looking beyond the championship standings. The car, the strategy, the development race and the ability to extract performance from imperfect machinery all matter.
Verstappen has repeatedly demonstrated that he can make the difference when the margins are tight.
Imagine Max in the Fastest Car Again
Here is the question that should make the rest of the grid uncomfortable.
What happens if Red Bull gives Verstappen a genuinely competitive car again?
The Dutchman has already proved he can dominate when everything comes together. His recent victories also show that he remains capable of beating the best when the opportunity presents itself.
Nobody can guarantee that he would immediately return to winning every weekend. Formula 1 is too competitive for that.
But counting him out would be foolish.
The 2027 development battle could be enormous, and Red Bull has every incentive to make sure its next car gives its star driver a better platform.
If Verstappen gets the machinery he needs, the championship conversation could look very different.
The GOAT Debate Is Not Over
Some fans will always put Lewis Hamilton first. Others will argue for Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna or other legends of the sport.
That debate is part of what makes Formula 1 special.
But Verstappen belongs in the conversation, and a difficult season does not erase what he has accomplished. The best drivers are not defined only by how they perform when everything is perfect. They are also judged by how much they can extract when it is not.
Max Verstappen is still one of the most formidable talents on the grid.
Give the man a car that can consistently win, and then tell us he is finished. Until then, the GOAT debate is wide open.