Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have been compared.

Max Verstappen is not considered a ‘global superstar’ in the eyes of 1997 world champion, Jacques Villeneuve. The Dutchman, who is considering his options for the 2027 Formula One season and beyond, is not regarded as being on the level of rival Lewis Hamilton when it comes to stardom and celebrity outside of motorsport.

Verstappen now ranks third, statistically, behind Hamilton and Michael Schumacher in several F1 record columns and is well on his way to becoming one of the most feared and respected racing drivers in history. However, while his results have trumped those of long-time rival Hamilton since their nail-biting title fight in 2021, the British racer remains a huge global celebrity, and his move to Ferrari during the winter captured the sporting world’s imagination.

According to 11-time Grand Prix winner Villeneuve, Hamilton’s popularity and stardom have made his Ferrari switch worthwhile for the Italian constructor, despite underwhelming results. Asked if he could leave Ferrari, the Canadian told Comeon Sports: “No, not now, because 2026 is a new car, new engine, a whole new package, and everybody’s waiting for that.

“It was cheap for them, really. They’ve got so much value out of getting Lewis into the team that it cost them nothing to do it. He is still the only true global superstar driver out there.

“You don’t want to do too many seasons like this because then your value does go down at some point. There’s the thing. First season there, new regulations next year, and so on and so on. That gives a little bit of leeway, but that’s it. Next year? Next year, it has to work.”

This may play into Hamilton’s favour should Verstappen decide that Ferrari is the best destination for 2027 and beyond. The four-time world champion is set to remain with Red Bull in 2026, but is keeping his options open when deciding his long-term home.

For the past 12 months, Mercedes has been Verstappen’s most likely destination should he decide to call time on his Red Bull career. However, ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, his father, Jos Verstappen, confirmed that Ferrari are also under consideration.

“It is not that we have talked about it a lot just this year,” he told Viaplay. “This year, however, a little more than in previous years. So it was true, but there is also a lot of nonsense that goes along with the rumours.”

Verstappen Snr then added: “But we are also talking about Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull. It is logical. Max and I are discussing the possible options, and it is the three big teams, apart from McLaren, that can welcome him.”