Jenson Button believes that Max Verstappen cannot become the greatest driver of all time until he has also showcased his abilities and made an impact in other racing categories besides Formula 1. The Briton believes that a driver can truly claim the title of 'greatest of all time' when they have also competed outside of Formula 1. However, he does believe that Verstappen has the potential to seize that title.
In a conversation with The Times, Button does not rule out the possibility of Verstappen becoming the greatest driver of all time, but for that to happen, the Dutchman would have to venture beyond Formula 1. "It is very possible that Max will go down in history as the best of the best. But I love the idea that you cannot be the best driver in the world if you haven't stepped outside of F1," the Briton says, fully convinced that competing in different classes is necessary to truly earn that distinction.
A driver who has done this and is therefore more deserving of that title is Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard became a two-time Formula 1 world champion but also demonstrated his skills in other racing categories. "Fernando has done phenomenal work. He left F1 and went to race in Le Mans and Daytona, winning both, and then won Le Mans again. I don't think his achievements have diminished by his fortieth birthday."
Button's statement can be seen as remarkable because Formula 1 record champions Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton also did not make appearances in other racing categories and achieved their accomplishments solely in Formula 1. According to Button's reasoning, the kings of the pinnacle of motorsport could therefore also not be called the greatest drivers of all time.