David Coulthard shares his thoughts on whether Max Verstappen could beat Ayrton Senna

David Coulthard and Mika Hakkinen were speaking at the F1 fan zone in Austin, recorded for the F1 Explains podcast, when they were asked if Verstappen could beat prime Ayrton Senna in the same machinery.

Senna won three championships, but there is a strong belief he would have added more had his career not been tragically cut short. He died during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.

The Brazilian is often seen as one of the most naturally gifted drivers to ever race in Formula One. Hakkinen, who lined up next to him three times in 1993, could not pick a clear winner between them.

While Verstappen includes Senna in his top five, Coulthard has heard him go even further by calling Senna ‘the best driver’ ever.

Hakkinen said: “It depends which car, of course. First of all, both of these drivers are very brave, extremely talented, mega fast, good team players. I think they would be equal!”

Coulthard then weighed in: “It’s not my opinion, I’ve heard Max say that for him, Senna was the best driver. I’ll go with the current world champion’s voice, which is Senna.”

Max Verstappen chasing ultimate F1 record with 2025 title

Some at Red Bull felt Verstappen hit a rough patch earlier in the season. McLaren’s dominance left him with little to fight for, and his enthusiasm for F1 seemed to wane.

That is not uncommon. Many of the sport’s greats find their edge only when they sense a real chance to win. But that brief dip in motivation could end up being costly, especially with how close this title race is shaping up to be.

Should Verstappen succeed, he would achieve one of F1’s most remarkable records: securing a third drivers’ title in a season where his car did not win the constructors’ championship. This feat has only ever been accomplished twice by any driver.

Some might say that points to struggles from his teammates, but it more likely underlines his unique ability to get everything possible out of his car. Even today, raw talent still makes all the difference in Formula 1.