Max Verstappen and Michael Schumacher are two drivers that defined their respective eras of F1. The Dutchman is F1’s latest conqueror, and the German was the sport’s first and most-loved dominator. While the G.O.A.T debate involving this duo carries on, their greatness cannot be undercut. Statistically, Schumacher is miles clear of Verstappen, but their aggressive racing styles have been long called similar. Putting an end to this debate is former Ferrari manager, Peter Windsor.

Max Verstappen’s ruthless defense against Lando Norris at the Austrian GP caused a stir. Post-race, the Red Bull driver found some support for ‘hard racing’, as some pundits compared him to Schumacher. Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert, who has raced against Schumacher, compared Verstappen’s on-track “intimidation” to the 7x champion’s. Though Peter Windsor agrees with how similar their race-craft is, he highlights the reigning champion’s lack of business sense compared to Schumacher’s.

“Michael was interested in the people and the overall picture,” Windsor said on his YouTube channel. “He was quite capable of putting a race team together, as we saw with Jean Todt, Ross Brawn, and a lot of those people Michael wanted and chose.” The 72-year-old used an example from Schumacher’s early Ferrari days to emphasize his point. “When the situation arose with McLaren on Bridgestone (tires) winning races in ’98 and ’99, winning the championship indeed, Michael was very good at turning the situation around and getting Bridgestone to supply Ferrari exclusively and getting McLaren onto Michelin with all the other teams. That was a Michael classic,” he added.

Elaborating on the other side of the comparison, Windsor added, “I don’t think Max has that global… political business-like picture. He’s more of just a raw racing driver who wants a very quick racing car and is very good at getting the best from that racing car.”

Windsor’s take on Verstappen is justified when you read the 3-time champion’s statement on his perception of F1. Despite only being 26, he hasn’t hesitated when talking about early retirement and being completely done with the sport once he leaves. But as long as he’s here, his rivals need to beware the Schumacher-like aggressiveness he displays.

Alain Prost likens Max Verstappen’s reputation to Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher

Michael Schumacher is one of F1’s flawed greats. The former Ferrari racer created some controversies with his aggressive driving, sometimes labeled ‘dirty’. Though Ayrton Senna never had any big questionable moments, his bold pursuit of success was similar. Alain Prost, famous for his infamous battles with Senna, has revealed how he sees the spirit of F1’s olden greats in Max Verstappen.

“Yes, Max is a very hard racer,” Prost told L’Equipe, addressing the Austrian GP incident. “That’s in his DNA and isn’t going to change. However, it also makes him so strong and he shouldn’t pay the price for his tough image. Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher had the same reputation as aggressive drivers,” he highlighted.

Verstappen has 3 championships and one hand on the 4th. He has already passed Senna in total career victories with 61 compared to the Brazilian’s 41. Schumacher’s staggering 91 wins remains a taller mountain to scale. With Red Bull’s development curve flattening in 2024, only time will tell if the reigning champion can continue his run into 2025.