As long as F1 continues to exist, the GOAT debate will keep raging. Even though there have only been two 7-time world champions in the sport’s 75-year history, fans cannot find consensus in choosing one. Hardcore F1 fans prefer Michael Schumacher because he changed the game and inspired the entire next generation to dream bigger. Modern F1 fans prefer Lewis Hamilton because he has elevated the benchmark and shattered innumerable records. Only someone who has observed both of them closely can conclude this debate. In comes former Ferrari manager Peter Windsor.

It’s said that an F1 racer is only as good as his last performance. Well, going by that, Hamilton’s subpar Dutch GP wasn’t a good example of his caliber. The Mercedes driver got knocked out in qualifying and sustained a grid penalty to start P14. But from there, he drove inexplicably well to finish P8, behind teammate George Russell, who dropped from P4 to P7. Windsor took this situation as a means to back Hamilton. “I think we can cut him a little bit of slack, but still give a massive thumbs up for still being highly motivated and doing the job and bringing the car home just behind George,” he said in Cameron F1’s YouTube video, adding, “What more can you want from a guy who’s done this much already? I don’t say this much for the sport, I just mean this much.”

Windsor then dived into the comparisons. “I can’t think of any driver in the history of the sport remotely near Lewis when it comes to being motivated to the level he is with the experience and the success he’s had already. It’s just astounding,” he added. “I mean, Michael (Schumacher) couldn’t reproduce it when he went to Mercedes. So nobody should criticize Lewis for his driving at all,” the 72-year-old concluded. Soon to make a debut in his 40s, Hamilton’s drive for success is indeed unparalleled. It’s almost as if Ferrari has signed an enthusiastic rookie who has two decades’ worth of experience in-built. That is bound to create a championship-winning team.

Will Lewis Hamilton ‘cement’ Ferrari around himself, like Michael Schumacher?

Ahead of the Dutch GP, Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur set high expectations for Lewis Hamilton‘s arrival next year. “Lewis, with his list of achievements and his spirit, will push every element of the team to be even more demanding,” he said. Along with the 7x champ, there will be several other personnel changes on all levels. Will the 39-year-old be able to accommodate this new atmosphere?

Former Ferrari driver Arturo Merzario says yes. “In my opinion, it (Ferrari) lacks overall leadership, which does not mean just the driver,” Merzario said, as quoted by Sportal. “But I am sure that Lewis’s arrival will give new life to the team. The Englishman will be able to cement it around his figure, as Michael Schumacher.” Schumacher was known for his astuteness and ability to build a cohesive team around him. In that realm, Peter Windsor holds him above Hamilton. Maybe that is why the GOAT debate will never be settled.

Statistically, Hamilton might be the clear winner. But in the interpersonal aspects of creating a championship-winning ambiance, Schumacher takes the trophy home. Which driver does your heart lean towards? Share in the comments.