In a candid assessment of current Formula 1 talent, Max Verstappen identified Charles Leclerc and Fernando Alonso as the drivers who excel most in overtaking, defensive skills, racecraft, and mentality.

The four-time World Champion, known for his analytical approach and high expectations, purposely omitted longtime rival Lewis Hamilton from his ratings, signaling a generational shift at the front of the grid.

Verstappen’s criteria focus on attributes every elite racer must master—making his selections all the more meaningful given his own dominance over the past seasons. 

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s current team leader, has built a reputation for bold overtakes and intelligent defensive driving that consistently pushes the limits.

Veteran Fernando Alonso, still racing for Aston Martin, is described by Verstappen as a master strategist whose racecraft and mental resilience remain at the highest level, even after two decades in the sport.

Hamilton’s Omission Signals Changing Guard

Verstappen’s choice to leave Lewis Hamilton off the list comes after years of fierce rivalry, most notably during their controversial Championship showdown in 2021.

While Hamilton’s legacy as a seven-time champion is secure, the recent seasons have been less fruitful for the British legend, now at Ferrari and yet to register a podium in 2025.

Verstappen, meanwhile, has added more titles and victories to his record, challenging the older generation and cementing his own legacy among the sport’s elite. 

Leclerc’s head-to-head battles with Hamilton and Alonso’s enduring presence highlight why Verstappen rates them so highly: they blend raw pace, technical skill, and relentless competitiveness, each in their own distinctive ways.

The State of Play: 2025 F1 Grid’s Finest

With McLaren, Red Bull, and Ferrari locked in championship contention, Verstappen’s view carries weight for fans and pundits eyeing the evolving hierarchy in Formula 1.

Leclerc and Alonso’s performances this season, marked by critical overtakes and calculated strategies, embody the standards Verstappen himself has raised for modern F1 drivers. 

Verstappen’s verdict is a reminder that Formula 1’s future is shaped not just by past champions, but by adaptable, relentless drivers who challenge the grid’s pecking order every race weekend.