Formula 1 Q&A: Team-mates Verstappen, Hamilton, Piastri, Alpine and who’s next in the Racing Bulls?

Do you think the huge difference in results between Max Verstappen and his various teammates over the years, compared to the closer battles Lewis Hamilton has had with some of his teammates (Nico Rosberg, George Russell, Charles Leclerc) says more about Max, or the quality of his teammates? -Simon

This is a very complex question, and a definitive answer cannot be given, as there are many variables.

Yes, Verstappen has a huge advantage over many of his teammates, especially in recent years.

But he and Carlos Sainz were relatively evenly matched in 2015 – in fact, in average qualifying pace, Sainz was slightly ahead during their year and slightly ahead as teammates.

The same goes for Daniel Ricciardo, although Verstappen worked his way from slightly behind the Australian on average in 2016 to definitively, if not significantly, ahead by the end of 2018.

Then, you also have to take into account Verstappen’s superiority at Red Bull, and the fact that everything was just focused on him, and the Red Bull car ended up in a place that was very difficult to drive.

However, Sergio Perez has deservedly beaten Verstappen several times.

Meanwhile, before arriving at Ferrari, Hamilton had definitively beaten all his teammates during his career except Fernando Alonso in 2007, when for all intents and purposes they were, and George Russell there were years at Mercedes.

Jenson Button scored more points than Hamilton during their three years together at McLaren from 2010 to 2012, but Hamilton finished ahead in two of the three years and took significantly more wins. He also had a difficult season in 2011 when off-track factors affected his driving.

It can also be said that, overall, Hamilton has had more of a team-mate status for most of his career than Verstappen.

What Verstappen has not had by his side since 2018 is an experienced and recognized driver.

It would be great to see him alongside Leclerc, Russell or one of the McLaren drivers for example.

Having said all that, almost everyone in Formula 1 currently accepts that Verstappen is the standout driver on the grid. He’s up there in the debate about who is the greatest of all time.