Max Verstappen's 7 F1 Teammates Ranked Top to Bottom

Max Verstappen's Formula 1 Team-Mates: A Comprehensive Ranking

Max Verstappen has built a reputation as one of the most formidable drivers in Formula 1, often outperforming his team-mates. However, not all of them have been equally successful. From fierce competitors to those who struggled under pressure, Verstappen’s career has seen a variety of team-mates. Here is a detailed look at the best and worst of them.

1. Daniel Ricciardo – The Strongest Competitor

Daniel Ricciardo stands at the top of the list as the most competitive team-mate Verstappen has faced. Their partnership with Red Bull from 2016 to 2018 was marked by intense rivalry. Ricciardo managed to outscore Verstappen in the 2017 season, earning 200 points compared to Verstappen’s 168. While Verstappen eventually gained the upper hand in 2018, winning two races to Ricciardo’s one, their competition was highly regarded. Despite this, Ricciardo remains a standout figure in Verstappen’s career, proving that he could hold his own against the Dutch driver.

2. Sergio Pérez – A Valuable Ally

Sergio Pérez, another multi-time grand prix winner, played a crucial role in Verstappen’s first World Championship in 2021. Although Pérez faced challenges in subsequent seasons, he managed to finish as runner-up in the 2023 Drivers’ Championship. His contributions were significant, but as Red Bull’s dominance waned, so did his performance. This led to his departure from the team at the end of the 2024 season.

3. Carlos Sainz – The First Team-Mate

Carlos Sainz was Verstappen’s first Formula 1 team-mate, joining him in 2015 with Toro Rosso. Their early rivalry was intense, with Sainz managing to win the qualifying head-to-head in 2015. However, as Verstappen began to establish himself as a rising star, Sainz found it increasingly difficult to keep up. Despite this, Sainz went on to win four races in his career, showing that he had the potential to succeed at the highest level.

4. Alex Albon – A Promising Talent

Alex Albon was a promising talent who faced a tough challenge against Verstappen. He managed to secure two podium finishes during his time at Red Bull but ultimately fell short in maintaining his position. As Verstappen continued to perform at a high level, Albon was demoted to reserve driver for the 2021 season, marking the end of his tenure with the team.

5. Pierre Gasly – A Short-Lived Partnership

Pierre Gasly took over the second seat at Red Bull after Daniel Ricciardo left. However, his performance was underwhelming, with a best result of fourth at Silverstone. By the summer break, Gasly was demoted back to Toro Rosso, highlighting the challenges he faced against Verstappen.

6. Liam Lawson – A Brief Experience

Liam Lawson had a brief stint with Red Bull, competing in just two races before being demoted. His experience was challenging, as he struggled to qualify for Q1 in three attempts. This led to his early exit from the team, showcasing the difficulty of competing against Verstappen.

7. Yuki Tsunoda – The Struggles Continue

Yuki Tsunoda has been the poorest-performing team-mate for Verstappen thus far. Despite having more experience than Liam Lawson, Tsunoda has scored only seven points in his 12 races with Red Bull. His struggles have been evident, with no points collected in his last seven grands prix. This has led to questions about his ability to compete at the level required in Formula 1.

Conclusion

Verstappen’s career has been marked by strong competition from his team-mates, some of whom have proven to be formidable opponents. From Daniel Ricciardo to Yuki Tsunoda, each has contributed to the dynamic of the sport. As Verstappen continues to dominate, the challenge of finding a worthy team-mate remains an ongoing story in Formula 1.