Jenson Button, 2009 Formula 1 World Champion, believes the most complete driver the sport has ever seen is still racing today — and it’s not the driver with the most titles.
In a recent interview on The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X, Button praised Max Verstappen as the most rounded F1 driver in history. Despite a tougher 2025 season, the Dutch driver continues to impress the former McLaren star with his ability to extract more from a car than any of his rivals.
“There’s just something about Max,” Button said. “He can do something with a car that I don’t think anyone else can.”
Verstappen, who made his debut in 2015, has already secured four world championships, 65 race wins, 44 pole positions, and 117 podiums. He currently sits third in the 2025 Drivers’ Standings with 165 points, trailing Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
How Norris, Piastri, and Hamilton Compare says Jenson Button
Asked who he sees as the second-best on the current grid, Button named both McLaren drivers.
“Lando is unbelievably quick, but if he makes a small mistake, I think he overthinks it,” Button explained. “Oscar is very level-headed—he just wants to go racing and does it very well.”
Button also reflected on his time as teammate to seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, praising the Briton’s natural skill.
“He would struggle in practice and then, out of nowhere, nail a lap in qualifying,” he said. “It was unbelievable.”
Still, Button emphasized that Verstappen’s all-around ability makes him stand out — even compared to Hamilton.
“Max may not have Lewis’ championship count, but right now, I think he’s doing more with a car than anyone else,” Button added.
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