This year, Formula 1 celebrates 75 years of existence, and throughout these decades, drivers have arrived with much fanfare, failed to perform, and became the also-rans of the sport.
But, through its seven-and-a-half decades of existence, there have also been drivers who have defied imagination, delivered performances that still boggle the mind, and have written their names into immortality. Which of these drivers is worthy of the infamous GOAT tag remains a debate for the ages. And while there will never be outright unanimity on who is the ultimate GOAT, there is, at least, an open and fiery debate on which drivers belong in the conversation.
Sometimes it’s a bit easier to anoint those of a previous era with this tag. The legends of drivers like Jim Clark and Juan-Manuel Fangio, Ayrton Senna, and Michael Schumacher were born in a different era for the newest crop of F1 fans. The only context that exists now is stats, the retelling of their exploits by older fans, and the beautifully crafted tribute clips on social media. Nostalgia has always been able to add a romantic lens to a time gone by.
But what then of the more modern crop? There aren’t only different standards now, but there are different interpretations, perspectives, likes, and dislikes. It’s natural, given how much and how quickly the world evolves. So, what are the modern criteria for a driver to be goat-worthy? Given it’s within a sporting context, the stats still matter. Win percentages. Podiums. Poles. Championships. Longevity. These numbers are non-negotiable — they are the foundation upon which greatness is measured. They must have range: technical skill across different machinery and regulations, mental resilience under the brightest of spotlights, and the ability to thrive not just on the track, but in the deeply scrutinised, media-saturated landscape that defines modern Formula A GOAT isn’t just fast — they are consistent, adaptable, and capable of turning chaos into opportunity. And what is more, a GOAT delivers when the odds are stacked against them, when they aren’t in the quickest car but still emerge on top.
Is there a case then for Max Verstappen to be part of the GOAT conversation given what he has done, so far, in 2025? Beyond the two wins this season has revealed something more about Verstappen – his transformation from generational talent to generational benchmark. His understanding of race dynamics, technical feedback, and his rapport with engineers have set a new bar. He doesn’t just drive the car — he develops it, shapes it, and moulds the team around him like Schumacher once did.
And let’s not forget the mental game. Despite constant media noise, increasing intra-team shenanigans, and the looming threat of McLaren, Verstappen remains unbothered.
He doesn’t flinch. His composure, confidence, and cold-blooded consistency are trademarks of the greats.
If the GOAT conversation requires dominance, consistency, adaptability, and impact, Max Verstappen’s 2025 season is ticking every box. He’s not just defending a legacy anymore. He is now building one that’s nearly impossible to match.
