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Max Verstappen

How does Verstappen compare to Hamilton and Schumacher at 26?

Last season, Max Verstappen took his third world title already at the age of 26. Comparisons with Formula 1's greatest drivers have been made for years. But how do the 26-year-old Verstappen's achievements compare to the likes of Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton when they were 26?

Verstappen Abu Dhabi
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To news overview © Red Bull Content Pool

Max Verstappen broke record after record last year. With 19 wins from 22 races, he had statistically the most dominant season F1 had seen.

The Dutchman recorded 10 victories in a row en route to a third consecutive Drivers' title as his rivals scrambled to pick up the scraps.

At the age of 26, only Sebastian Vettel has a better record having picked up four titles between 2010 and 2013, though Verstappen has won 16 more races than the German.

Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton - who share the record of seven titles - are nowhere near Verstappen's statistics. Both drivers only had one world title to their names at the time, though the longevity of their success separate them from the rest.

The statistics show how young Verstappen was when he joined the club of F1's elite.

What can Verstappen still do?

So the question is now regarding what Verstappen will be capable of in the coming years. His contract with Red Bull runs through to 2028 and, with no regulation change until 2026, it isn't out of the question that he will add another two titles at least to his tally.

But what will happen after the rule changes? Will Verstappen remain motivated to keep performing at the highest level? He has made no secret of his dismay at some aspects of the sport, especially Sprint weekends, with rules often changing in the name of entertainment.

For now, his achievements should be commended and below a table shows how Verstappen compares to various F1 legends.

Verstappen vs. other F1 champions at age 26

Performance Verstappen Schumacher Hamilton Senna Vettel
World Cup titles 3 1 1 0 4
Wins 54 13 12 3 23
Poles 32 8 17 14 39
GPs 185 57 58 46 120

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