Former Mercedes AMG F1 chief, Nick Fry, has advised Max Verstappen that there is still work to be done to match the remarkable accomplishments of Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher.

Verstappen has etched his name into F1 history with a string of impressive campaigns, securing three consecutive titles, with his most recent triumph being hailed as one of the most dominant in motorsport history.

Having achieved success in 2023, Verstappen now joins the ranks of Niki Lauda and Ayrton Senna, each with three titles. However, the top of the F1 hierarchy is still occupied by Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton, each boasting seven F1 crowns.

Offering his evaluation on the debate over the greatest driver of all time, Fry believes there is more for Verstappen to accomplish in order to leave a lasting legacy. Fry expressed, “Michael Schumacher will be remembered for more than winning. My personal favorite is Ayrton Senna.”

Fry continued to praise Senna for his mysterious thoughtfulness, brilliance, and untimely demise, drawing a parallel between Senna and James Dean in the F1 world. Placing Lewis Hamilton third on his list, Fry acknowledged Hamilton’s role in expanding F1’s appeal beyond the racetrack through his interests in music and individualistic approach.

“I think Lewis Hamilton would be my third choice behind Senna and Schumacher. Hamilton has done a lot to broaden the appeal of F1. It’s not just due to his race, but also his interest in music and carving his own path. He’s doing his own thing, appealing to a new crowd who have been introduced to F1 as a result.

Considering the starting points of drivers, Fry credited Hamilton’s rise from a regular background, emphasizing his achievements as a testament to his own efforts. Regarding Verstappen, Fry sees the potential for him to become the most successful driver but questions whether he will be celebrated as the most heroic.

“Max Verstappen can very well finish as the most successful driver ever, but I’m not sure if he’ll be the most heroic and the one who’ll they’ll make movies about. All of the truly great drivers have done something as well as winning races, great achievement though that is.”

Verstappen, eyeing the upcoming season, aims to narrow the gap to Hamilton and Schumacher in the all-time standings. The 2024 campaign kicks off on Saturday, March 2, in Bahrain, with Verstappen vying to join the elite group of drivers with four consecutive titles, including Hamilton, Schumacher, Juan Manuel Fangio, and Sebastian Vettel. 

Meanwhile, Hamilton seeks an eighth F1 success, aiming to solidify his status as the outright most successful driver in the history of the sport, with his last triumph dating back to 2020.