Michael Schumacher or Lewis Hamilton: Former team principal gives his verdict on who is the ultimate Formula 1 GOAT

The hardcore fans of Formula 1 cannot stop comparing Lewis Hamilton to and debating who among them is the ultimate GOAT (Greatest of All Time) of motorsport.

Now, Ross Brawn, known as the mastermind behind Schumacher’s seven world championship wins and someone who has also worked with Hamilton, has given his answer. When asked to choose between the two, he stated that Schumacher stands above all.

Ross Brawn tells the difference between Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton

“Hamilton had the same commitment, talent, and desire as Michael, but with a different approach. Helping him win each of his seven world titles was incredible for me. But there’s nothing above Michael,” Ross Brawn told Auto Hebdo in an interview earlier this year.

Elaborating further on how Schumacher is the GOAT in F1, Brawn said, “Talent is essential, and Michael’s was immense. F1 has seen many talented drivers who couldn’t fully apply it—Michael knew how. He had exceptional physical conditioning, incredible focus, and an unmatched commitment. He had every attribute needed and the intelligence to master every stage of his career.”

This is what you look like when a championship is on the line again 💪

With his victory at the 2006 GP in China, Michael was back in the championship fight – little did he know that an engine failure at the next race would destroy those hopes

It was his last @F1 victory

📷AFP pic.twitter.com/uWOqrsEBNj

— Michael Schumacher (@schumacher) March 23, 2025

Ross Brawn has been the team principal of Benetton, Ferrari, and Mercedes and played a pivotal role in Schumacher’s wins with Benetton and later Ferrari. Brawn was the team principal at Mercedes when Hamilton joined but later stepped down to give way to Toto Wolff.

Schumacher won seven world championships, a record now matched by Lewis Hamilton, who aims to break the record this season with Ferrari. Michael Schumacher vs Lewis Hamilton Numerically, Lewis Hamilton has more pole positions, podium spots, and points finishes in fewer races. However, Schumacher had more victories each year, more fastest lap times, more consecutive wins, and more consecutive podium finishes.

Schumacher retired in 2006 but made a brief comeback with Mercedes between 2010 and 2012. His career met an unexpected end after a tragic skiing accident that left him bedridden for years. He is currently leading a “different” life, as described by his wife, who has taken care of him ever since.

Hamilton made his Formula 1 debut in 2007 with McLaren and later joined Mercedes in 2013, where he achieved massive success. Despite winning seven world championships, he moved to Ferrari for the 2025 season and is now focused on getting back in form to clinch his eighth championship victory, aiming to break Schumacher’s record. He will be seen competing in the Japanese Grand Prix, set to begin at Suzuka Circuit on April 4.