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via Getty

Presenting to you the question of the hour? Who would emerge victorious in a head-to-head, equal machinery duel if Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton were to drive for the same team? Eddie Jordan, an influential figure in his own right, was the founder and owner of Jordan Grand Prix. The team achieved four Grand Prix victories and played a crucial role in the early careers of racing legends such as Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello. And it seems that Eddie has some interesting and well-versed pointers for all of us from his discussion with his buddy and ex-F1 driver, David Coulthard.

In the recent episode of the Formula For Success podcast, former F1 driver David Coulthard and former team owner Eddie Jordan weighed in on one of the most hotly debated topics in the world of Formula 1. As the current landscape stands, the present F1 grid features three active world champions: Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Fernando Alonso. With Verstappen and Hamilton dominating recent seasons, the question of who would triumph in an intra-team battle has been a source of fervent discussion.

Jordan, the veteran team owner, believes that age plays a significant role in this hypothetical duel. He comments candidly about Hamilton, saying, “He’s been a strong performer in the last few races, and I’m very impressed with what he’s showing, but Max has that sweet spot in terms of age, experience, self-belief, knowledge, the people he has around him in the team. It is in a very solid, safe structure. It will take a lot to knock him off that throne.” Despite being impressed with Hamilton’s recent performances, Jordan thinks that 38-year-old Hamilton might be past his peak.

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In contrast, he sees Verstappen as being in the prime of his career—what he calls the “sweet spot”—with an ideal blend of age, experience, confidence, and team support. “If they were the same age, in the same car,” Jordan asserts, “Max would win.”

David Coulthard, while largely concurring with Jordan’s assessment, offers a more nuanced view of Hamilton. Coulthard imagines that if Verstappen and Hamilton were teammates, sparks would fly reminiscent of the legendary clashes between Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna. He agrees that Verstappen, at just 25 and with a razor-sharp focus on racing, might have the edge. Coulthard observes that Hamilton, while more experienced, is engaged in numerous pursuits outside of racing, which might affect his focus.

Read More: Month After Lewis Hamilton’s Scandalous Accusations, Lando Norris Confesses to Red Bull’s Blatant Influence

From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen: A changing of the guard?

A narrative that has captivated the motorsport community in recent years: the thrilling battle between Lewis Hamilton, the seasoned veteran, and Max Verstappen, the prodigious talent. Is Formula 1 witnessing a symbolic ‘changing of the guard’? Let’s delve into how this narrative is playing out in the media and among fans. Lewis Hamilton’s achievements are unparalleled with almost half of the record to his name. Hamilton is often seen as a mentor figure in the sport, not just for his driving prowess but also for his off-track activism and leadership.

via Reuters

Enter Max Verstappen. The Dutch sensation burst onto the F1 scene as the sport’s youngest-ever driver and quickly began to rewrite the record books himself. Verstappen is known for his aggressive, no-holds-barred approach and for delaying the 8th title for Lewis Hamilton. His raw talent and audacious driving style have led many to view him as the future of Formula 1, a prodigy who is not just challenging the establishment but is poised to lead it.

As Verstappen continues to notch up race wins and challenge for championships, the question becomes more pressing: Are we witnessing a changing of the guard in Formula 1? Hamilton, while still at the peak of his powers, is in the latter stage of his career. Verstappen represents the next generation. The ‘changing of the guard’ is a narrative as old as the sport itself and in this case, we might be witnessing a historical moment in F1.

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