“Being second is to be the first of the ones who lose,” said Ayrton Senna, as he raced like a shooting star, dazzling everyone with his skills and charm. Senna was more than a driver, his commitment to winning was unmatched, his dedication evident in every lap he drove. He didn’t just compete; he poured his heart into it. Senna’s name emerges like a comet of brilliance, lighting up the track with his unparalleled passion and determination. But now, a new name has emerged on this grand stage: Max Verstappen. Yet, is he the greatest of all time?

Senna’s story was one of glory, intensity, and ultimately, tragedy, as he pushed himself to the limits, transcending the mere boundaries of the track. But now Verstappen’s record-breaking achievements have thrust him into the limelight. The world witnessed as he equaled  & surpassed Ayrton Senna‘s record of 41 wins, a feat that demanded more than just raw talent. Verstappen’s prowess behind the wheel has led him to surpass even Senna’s achievements, now boasting 45 wins. But there’s a catch—a snub in the GOAT debate. Despite his impressive track record, Verstappen’s name is often whispered in the shadow of Senna’s legacy.

When asked about the greatest driver of all time in the Track Limits podcast, Red Bull engineer Calum Nicholas’s response shines a light on the heart of the matter. He reflects, “It’s a tough one, in terms of like just a passion & the soul, I think it has to be [Ayrton] Senna, oh yeah, you know, I think that more so than you know necessarily the amount of titles or anything like that I think just his belief and his sort of drive and his something that pretty much all the drivers have now as you know we’ll think of Senna’s amazing character he was a ruthless winner you know,  so much to be admired about.”

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It’s a sentiment echoed by many who witnessed Senna’s era, a legacy that transcends the checkered flags and lap times. Nicholas also took a moment to express admiration for Max Verstappen’s arch-rival.

Calum Nicholas appreciates Max Verstappen’s nemesis’ impact 

Yes, Lewis Hamilton is more than a 7-time champion; he’s a beacon of change and progress. The Briton has used his position as a driver to amplify his voice, shedding light on societal issues that extend beyond the realm of racing. He’s unafraid to speak out against social injustices, lending his platform to important causes and advocating for a more inclusive world. One of his prominent focuses has been addressing the lack of diversity in F1, both among drivers and within the teams themselves.

Amidst the rivalry between Red Bull and Mercedes, a key figure from the Red Bull camp has taken a moment to express admiration for Lewis Hamilton. Calum Nicholas has commended Hamilton for his efforts in initiating conversations about diversity in F1. Nicholas acknowledges that it was Hamilton’s voice that kickstarted a dialogue that was previously absent. He stated in the Track Limits podcast, “But no one was having a conversation about it, there was no discussion to be had. So one of the things we have to thank Lewis for actually all of us need to thank Lewis for is just having the conversation started. He used his platform so effectively that there was actually a conversation to be had here.”

Max Verstappen’s journey is far from over, and as the engines roar on, one can’t help but wonder—will his legacy one day intertwine with Senna’s, in a tale of two relentless winners whose stories will inspire generations to come?

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