Max Verstappen has raised eyebrows by leaving Lewis Hamilton out of his list of Formula One’s fiercest competitors – despite their infamous championship showdown in 2021.

The Dutchman, who has dominated the sport since that dramatic Abu Dhabi finale, opted instead to single out Fernando Alonso and Charles Leclerc when asked who he considered the standout drivers on today’s grid.

Hamilton’s absence from those remarks is particularly striking given how fierce their rivalry was just four years ago.

The Briton lost out to Verstappen in the controversial Abu Dhabi finale, denying him a record-breaking eighth world title.

Max Verstappen did not include Lewis Hamilton when asked about his rivals

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When asked to identify the best qualifier, Verstappen revealed: “I’ve always considered Charles a very strong driver in qualifying. He’s extremely quick over one lap.”

He went on to praise Alonso’s racecraft, adding to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo: “I’ve always liked watching Fernando race, even in the past. He’s brilliant in defence and without a doubt the fiercest competitor on the grid.”

The omission now comes at a time when Hamilton is enduring a painful start to life with Ferrari, still waiting for his first podium finish since leaving Mercedes.

For Verstappen, however, the last three years have been the opposite. Since 2021, the 27-year-old has gone on to collect three more world titles, winning 46 of the past 84 races.

His most recent triumph came at Monza, where he completed Formula One’s fastest-ever race in just 73 minutes while also setting the quickest qualifying lap in history.

Charles Leclerc was highlighted by Max Versatppen as one of his biggest rivals

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Alonso, the veteran Spaniard, has become a figure of admiration across the grid for his longevity and fighting spirit.

At 44 years old, he remains a constant presence in the points and continues to frustrate rivals with his high quality driving– qualities Verstappen clearly sees as unmatched.

Hamilton, by contrast, has managed only two victories since Abu Dhabi 2021. His Ferrari switch was billed as a new dawn but so far has delivered only frustration.

At 40 years old, questions are beginning to grow over whether he can rediscover the form that once made him untouchable.

Verstappen, meanwhile, shows no signs of easing up. During Formula One’s current break, he is set to compete in the Nürburgring Endurance Series at the legendary Nordschleife circuit.

The Dutchman has been granted permission by Red Bull despite the risks involved in such a demanding event.

Fernando Alonose has been parised by the reigning world champion for his defensive work

| PAHe will need to complete mandatory training to earn his Nordschleife permit, a rule former Mercedes boss Norbert Haug ridiculed as “ridiculous” for a driver of Verstappen’s calibre.

The 27-year-old must fulfil German Motor Sport Federation requirements, including attending mandatory schooling on Friday to obtain the essential Nordschleife permit.