Like every other sport, Formula 1 is also divided among its GOATs. Some consider Lewis Hamilton the greatest of all time. Whereas others believe it’s already Max Verstappen. These Messi-Ronaldo and Federer-Nadal-esque debates have no end. However, everyone shares their opinion from time to time, and Bernie Ecclestone has indirectly shared his.

The former boss visited the Formula 1 paddock in Brazil after a long time. The Brit also spoke about various aspects of the sport and even talked about Verstappen. In the conversation with De Telegraaf, the Brit spoke about one record he would like to see the Dutchman achieve. This aspect contradicts his stance on the record and effectively tells us who he likes better between Hamilton and Verstappen.

As per De Telegraaf, he said, “It depends on his car, but if Red Bull gets its act together, I don’t see why he can’t keep winning. Will Max ever break the record of seven world titles? Who knows? Let’s hope so.” [Translated by Google]

However, while discussing the world championship record last year in regard to Hamilton, Ecclestone had a completely different stance. He said, “I personally was happy that Lewis didn’t win an eighth championship. Because the seventh championship, that he equal, is held by Michael Schumacher and I wouldn’t like to see that broke.”

Read More: Former F1 Supremo Bernie Ecclestone Backs Max Verstappen to Extend His Dominant Run

One can tell the sentimental value Ecclestone is trying to convey by talking about Michael Schumacher. However, his comments about Verstappen completely contradict his stance on the world championships record.

Additionally, the Red Bull man isn’t just a favorite to break the record, but he’s also the driver making the sport better holistically.

Is Max Verstappen doing more good for the sport than Lewis Hamilton?

According to Ecclestone, the sport needed a driver like Verstappen for a long time. Hamilton became the unelected face of Formula 1, with his dominance in the past decade. This is exactly why Ecclestone is thankful there’s a driver like Verstappen on the grid.

“Formula 1 must thank Max Verstappen,” the billionaire said about what he believes is better in the sport. “Max is a racer. He does what he has to do: he just races. The fans have wanted to see someone like that for a long time.”

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Ecclestone has clearly picked his champion. Do you think Verstappen will achieve the elusive eighth world championship title during his career? Or will the Mercedes man achieve the feat first?