Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has weighed in after former F1 star Riccardo Patrese declared Max Verstappen to be on the same level as Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna, calling the Dutchman one of the sport’s all-time greats despite not having the most dominant car in 2025.

Patrese, a veteran of 256 Grand Prix starts and six wins, said in a recent interview that Verstappen belongs to a “Superleague” of drivers.

“He is one of those champions whom I would place in a ‘Superleague’, where they can make a difference, even without a winning car,” Patrese said. “At the moment, he doesn’t have the best car, but you can always see the danger that he’s going to win races. That was in Michael’s early days at Ferrari.”

The praise follows Verstappen’s consistent performances in the RB21, often outpacing rivals despite McLaren’s rise with the MCL39.

When asked to respond to Patrese’s comments ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, Hamilton gave a measured reaction.

“Look, Max is doing a great job — he’s fast, consistent, and clearly one of the top drivers today,” Hamilton said. “But comparisons to Senna or Michael? That’s huge. I think we need to keep perspective. Those legends shaped the sport in ways that went far beyond stats or a few seasons of dominance.”

Hamilton, who has battled Verstappen on track and in the standings for years, admitted that the Dutchman’s form has been impressive.

“He’s talented, no doubt,” Hamilton added. “But let’s not rush to place everyone in the same league as Senna or Schumacher. Greatness is about more than just race wins — it’s also about character, longevity, and the ability to elevate the sport.”

The Mercedes driver, currently searching for his first win of the 2025 season, also pointed out that every era in Formula 1 is different.

“Every generation has its challenges,” Hamilton noted. “Michael had to rebuild Ferrari, Senna drove through eras of insane danger, and I’ve had my own journey through rule changes and rivalries. Max is writing his own story now — let’s let that story unfold.”

As Verstappen chases his fifth world title, and Hamilton prepares for his move to Ferrari in 2026, the debate over Formula 1’s true greats continues — but for Hamilton, legacy isn’t built overnight.