Joel Embiid Calls Max Verstappen the GOAT After Stunning Double Overtake on Lewis Hamilton at Hungarian GP
Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid was among the many viewers left amazed by Max Verstappen’s spectacular driving display at the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix, with the NBA star declaring the Red Bull Racing driver the “GOAT” after witnessing one of the race’s most impressive overtaking moves.
While Embiid has been focused on basketball during the NBA offseason, with the Philadelphia 76ers recently making headlines after acquiring LeBron James and emerging as potential contenders for the 2027 NBA Championship, the Cameroonian center still found time to follow the latest action from Formula 1.
During the Hungarian Grand Prix, Embiid watched closely as Verstappen produced a remarkable moment of skill that immediately caught the attention of fans around the world.
The key moment came on lap 16 of the race when Verstappen executed a daring double overtake involving his own Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari.
The move required exceptional timing, confidence, and precision, as Verstappen attacked two cars in one sequence and managed to complete the pass successfully. His aggressive maneuver impressed viewers, including Embiid, who quickly shared his reaction on social media.
The NBA star made his opinion clear in the ongoing debate over Formula 1’s greatest driver, praising Verstappen’s fearless style and ability to deliver under pressure.
“WOW VERSTAPPEN IS ACTUALLY THE GOAT!! WHAT A DIVEBOMB LMAO,” Embiid wrote.
His enthusiastic reaction highlighted just how impressive the overtake appeared, especially considering the circumstances surrounding Hamilton’s position at the time.
Hamilton had recently made a pit stop and was running on fresh hard tyres, but those tyres were still cold and had not yet reached their ideal operating temperature. The Ferrari driver had also used significant energy defending his position and attempting to overtake Hadjar on the straight before Verstappen made his move.
As a result, Hamilton was vulnerable when Verstappen arrived with warmer tyres and better grip. The Red Bull driver took advantage immediately, making a bold attack that caught many observers by surprise.
Verstappen’s ability to identify the opportunity and commit to the move demonstrated the qualities that have made him one of Formula 1’s most celebrated competitors. His aggressive racing style, combined with his confidence in difficult situations, has earned him a reputation as one of the sport’s most exciting drivers.
Although the overtake was one of the highlights of his race, Verstappen was unable to fight for victory at the Hungaroring. He eventually finished third, behind race winner Lando Norris of McLaren and Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.
The result represented another strong performance from Verstappen despite Red Bull facing challenges with the competitiveness of their car throughout the weekend.
Hamilton, meanwhile, finished fifth after receiving a five-second penalty. The punishment dropped him from fourth place, allowing Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc to move ahead and claim the position.
Despite losing out on a higher finish, Hamilton remained one of the leading figures in the championship standings. At this stage of the 2026 season, Hamilton sits second in the World Drivers’ Championship with 159 points.
Verstappen, meanwhile, has faced a more difficult campaign and currently occupies seventh place in the standings with 91 points.
The contrasting championship positions show the challenges Red Bull has experienced compared with previous dominant seasons, while Hamilton’s Ferrari campaign has placed him firmly in contention near the top of the standings.
However, Embiid’s reaction focused less on championship statistics and more on Verstappen’s ability to create unforgettable moments on the track.
The double overtake became one of the defining highlights of the Hungarian Grand Prix, with many fans praising Verstappen’s confidence and racing intelligence. For Embiid, the move was enough evidence to strengthen his belief that Verstappen belongs among the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history.
Verstappen has frequently been praised for his aggressive approach and willingness to attempt moves that other drivers might avoid. His supporters argue that his combination of speed, race awareness, and fearless decision-making separates him from his rivals.
The Hungarian Grand Prix provided another example of why he remains such a popular figure among motorsport fans. Even during a challenging season, Verstappen continues to produce moments of brilliance that attract attention beyond the world of Formula 1.
For Embiid, a global sports superstar himself, the admiration appeared to come from recognizing a similar competitive mentality: the desire to take risks, perform under pressure, and deliver extraordinary results when opportunities appear.
The basketball star’s reaction also added another voice to the ongoing discussion about Verstappen’s place among Formula 1’s all-time greats.
While debates over the “greatest of all time” driver remain subjective and often depend on personal opinions, moments like Verstappen’s bold pass in Hungary continue to strengthen his reputation.
Whether fans compare him with legends such as Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, or other Formula 1 icons, Verstappen’s ability to produce unforgettable performances remains undeniable.
The Hungarian Grand Prix may not have ended with a victory for Red Bull, but the race still gave Verstappen another opportunity to demonstrate why he is considered one of the most talented drivers of his generation.
And according to Joel Embiid, one spectacular overtake was enough to prove that Max Verstappen deserves the highest praise possible: being called the GOAT.