Christian Danner on Formula 1 GOAT debate: Ayrton Senna is still way ahead, Max Verstappen is #2
F1 Drivers NewsWednesday, 20 May 2026 at 20:14
As Max Verstappen continues to redefine what is possible behind the wheel of a race car, both in Formula 1 and beyond, Christian Danner believes the Dutchman has already secured his place among the greatest drivers motorsport has ever seen. Second only to one.
Fresh from Verstappen’s extraordinary Nürburgring 24 Hours campaign, where the Verstappen Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 led much of the race before a late driveshaft failure ended their challenge, Danner said the Red Bull driver’s passion for racing remains as intense as ever.
Verstappen stunned observers at the Nürburgring with relentless pace, fearless overtaking and relentless preparation around the Nordschleife. The four-time Formula 1 World Champion spent days turning laps in the GT3 car before the official sessions even began, underlining the obsessive attention to detail that has become a trademark of his career.
Former F1 driver turned pundit, Danner pointed out: “You could see this weekend he was racing 24 hours at the Nürburgring. He prepared himself exceptionally, immaculately. He did so many laps around the track before any official practice – and I’m not talking about the simulator, I’m talking about the real car.
“He just loved it. He was very well prepared, and he drove his heart out. There were some daredevil maneuvers in the middle of the field, and he was very lucky that he didn’t really end up somewhere else but the track.
“But that’s Max, and that shows you his motivation is high. He really, really loves the sport, and I think there’s no way around him in Formula 1 either. He’s not going to walk away and do something else.”
Verstappen will race everywhere
Danner's comments come amid renewed speculation about Verstappen’s long term future in Formula 1 after months of criticism from the Dutchman regarding the current generation of regulations and concerns over the direction of the sport.
However, the German pundit dismissed suggestions Verstappen is losing interest in Formula 1, insisting the Red Bull driver’s frustrations stem from his desire to improve the sport rather than abandon it.
Danner predicted Verstappen’s future will eventually stretch far beyond Formula 1, pointing to endurance racing and IndyCar as natural destinations for one of the most complete racers of the modern era.
“He loves motor racing. He loves other areas of motor racing, and I guarantee you he’s going to be in a Le Mans car very soon, and eventually he’s going to be in an IndyCar to do the 500, because he just loves racing.
“I think he’s one of these people who we will see again and again, like Fernando, in all sorts of areas of our sport. How I look at him…I think he’s very motivated, although some people say he’s only complaining because his finishing positions are so bad. Well, that’s all bullsh!t."
Max was in the paddock since he was a kid
Danner continued with his prediction: "If he wins a race, he’s still going to keep his opinion on the current regulations, and he’s going to speak it out loud, which I think is the right thing to do for a champion of that style.
"I’m not worried about him at all. I can see him being confident, full of love for the sport, and that applies to other things like the 24 Hours just as much as Formula 1.”
The Nürburgring performance only reinforced Verstappen’s growing reputation as a generational all round racer rather than simply a Formula 1 specialist. Across the event he shared the car with experienced GT stars Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon and Lucas Auer, yet remained one of the standout performers throughout the race weekend.
Danner also described Verstappen as exceptionally focused and disciplined away from the cockpit: “When I’ve met him he’s very organised, very in the head, very straight.
"He can have a laugh and everything, but he’s very economic with his time and his energy, and very determined and absolutely on the point. Obviously, I know Jos better because he’s got more time in the paddock, so I talk to Jos occasionally, and we just chat among ex-drivers.
"But Max, whenever I met him, was always very focused, very concentrated, without losing his sense of humor. He’s a very self-confident person. Don’t forget, he’s been around races in the paddock since he was a kid.”
#1 Senna, #2 Verstappen...
The strongest praise came when Danner was asked where Verstappen ranks among Formula 1’s greatest drivers. For the German former racer, only Ayrton Senna remains ahead of the Red Bull star.
“For me personally, and I’m a bit biased, Senna is still way ahead of anybody else, but number two is Verstappen. Because what Verstappen shows is exceptionally good. It’s sensationally good.
"To a certain extent, you can say it might even be a higher level than Ayrton. However, the personality, the charisma, and the approach to life as such, Ayrton was outstanding. They’re just two different characters.”
Danner closed by dismissing any lingering doubts over Verstappen’s Formula 1 future: “I don’t think Verstappen will quit, no. He loves motor racing, and Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport. Eventually he’s going to get what he wants, and that’s why I’m very optimistic that he’s going to hang in there and continue.”
The Dutchman's immediate future is this weekend at the Canadian Grand Prix, where he and Red Bull will be going all out to turn around the worst start to a season in Verstappen's career driving for the Blues.
This past weekend was the tenth anniversary of Verstappen's famous maiden Formula 1 victory at the Spanish Grand Prix. The first race he contested for Red Bull after being promoted to the senior team from Toro Rosso, replacing underperfroming Daniel Kvyat who was demoted to the junior outfit.
(Christian Danner quotes supplied by BetGoodwin)
(Christian Danner quotes supplied by BetGoodwin)
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