Last Updated on March 31 2025, 1:41 pm
More than a decade since he last sat in a Formula One car, Jaime Alguersuari has returned to the conversation – not with a comeback behind the wheel, but with a strong, clear voice in one of the sport’s most enduring debates: Who is the greatest driver of all time? In a recent interview with talkSPORT, the former Toro Rosso driver didn’t hesitate to plant his flag firmly in one camp or another. And it wasn’t where many might expect.
Despite having competed directly against three of the most iconic drivers in F1 history – Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton – Alguersuari has crowned someone else as the sport’s ultimate benchmark: Max Verstappen.
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Jaime Alguersuari made history when he made his Formula 1 debut in 2009 at the age of 19, becoming the youngest driver ever to compete in a Grand Prix. That record would eventually be broken in 2015 by Max Verstappen, who entered the sport aged just 17. But in retrospect, Alguersuari’s short stint in the sport – 46 races over the 2009, 2010 and 2011 seasons – gave him a unique vantage point. He raced in an era that included the likes of Schumacher, who returned to the sport during this period, and Hamilton, who was building momentum towards his all-time records.
Alguersuari may not have taken any podiums or race wins during his tenure, but the Catalan was clearly paying attention. And years later, he’s watched as Verstappen has not only fulfilled his early promise, but surpassed it in historic fashion.
“We have to understand that Max is probably the best driver that has ever been in F1,” Alguersuari told talkSPORT.
“It’s all down to his training, his experience, his attitude. It’s incredible to see what he’s achieved in Australia, especially because he’s driving a car that’s not one of the best in the field.”
Context is key: Verstappen’s mastery beyond the machinery
Alguersuari’s admiration for Verstappen isn’t just about statistics or titles. It’s also about context – the Dutchman’s ability to shine even when his car isn’t the dominant force on the grid. In 2025, with the Red Bull RB21 lacking the massive advantage it enjoyed in 2022 and 2023, Verstappen is still second in the Drivers’ Championship after just two races.
That achievement speaks volumes, especially given the drama unfolding around him. His team-mate, rookie New Zealander Liam Lawson, was unable to produce the same level of performance and was dropped after just two races. Lawson failed to score any points and was forced to retire early, a decision that underlines the razor-thin margins and cut-throat expectations in a team built on excellence.
Alguersuari sees it as further proof of Verstappen’s extraordinary talent. “He can just deal with every situation and every problem better than anyone else. And that’s it. It’s as simple as that,” he said.
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The Spaniard went on to explain that Verstappen’s true strength lies in what he brings to the team beyond his on-track heroics. While raw pace, precision and fearlessness are all hallmarks of Verstappen’s style, Alguersuari believes it’s the 27-year-old’s overall approach to racing that sets him apart.
“He does an outstanding job outside the cockpit and during the race, when he takes off his helmet and continues his work in the garage,” Alguersuari said. “Nobody – and I want to make this very clear – is able to solve problems with the cars the way Verstappen does.”
This focus on the off-track elements – the debriefs, the simulator work, the feedback given to the engineers – provides a more complete picture of Verstappen as a driver. He’s not just someone who reacts well under pressure, but a proactive force behind the scenes, constantly improving his car and himself.
An unmatched benchmark for teammates
Alguersuari didn’t stop at praising Verstappen’s technical prowess – he also delivered a sobering assessment of any driver who dares to share a garage with him. With Liam Lawson already out of the picture and Yuki Tsunoda stepping up to the plate, there’s a lot of focus on whether the Japanese driver can do any better.
For Alguersuari, the answer is probably no; “Whoever sits next to Max in that car won’t look good,” he said flatly. “They would probably be a bit closer. But I don’t think anyone on the grid could beat Max.”
It’s not the first time a seasoned voice in F1 has expressed concern about the near-impossible task of matching Verstappen as a teammate. Over the years, highly-rated drivers such as Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon and Sergio Pérez have all struggled to match his consistency and race pace in identical cars. While some critics have questioned whether Red Bull are building their team too much around Verstappen, others argue that it’s simply the result of having a once-in-a-generation driver at the helm.
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Declaring Verstappen the greatest of all time is no small claim, especially when you consider the drivers Alguersuari has competed against during his career. Michael Schumacher redefined dominance with his seven world championships in the early 2000s. Lewis Hamilton, who equalled Schumacher’s title tally and holds the record for most wins and poles, has long been the modern standard of greatness.
But in Alguersuari’s eyes, Verstappen’s adaptability, technical insight and relentless drive give him the edge. The current generation of cars – with their delicate aerodynamics, tyre management requirements and increasingly complex hybrid systems – demands a new level of intelligence and commitment. Verstappen, says Alguersuari, has mastered it all.
The GOAT debate marches on
F1’s greatest ever debate will probably never be fully settled. Different eras bring different technologies, rulebooks and team dynamics. Fangio, Senna, Prost, Schumacher, Hamilton and now Verstappen – each ruled his time with qualities uniquely suited to the challenges of the day.
But what makes Alguersuari’s view particularly compelling is that it comes from someone who witnessed both the end of the Schumacher era and the rise of Hamilton – and who, like so many fans and analysts, is now in awe of Verstappen’s complete command of the modern sport.
As the 2025 season continues and Verstappen chases a potential fourth world title, the debate will only intensify. Can he maintain his dominance with a less dominant car? Will another driver emerge to challenge him in a similar machine? For now, at least, Jaime Alguersuari has made his position clear.
For him, the verdict is in: Max Verstappen is not just the driver of the moment – he’s the best F1 has ever seen.
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With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
