Max Verstappen's dominance: Breaking records and sealing Formula 1 titles
- Rob Fleming
- 19 October 2023
In the high-octane world of Formula 1, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has carved his name into the annals of history during the 2023 season.
Red Bull's team principal, Christian Horner, recently pinpointed the pivotal moments that led to Verstappen's coronation as the reigning champion.
The turning point in this remarkable season occurred in Miami when Verstappen executed a sensational overtake of his teammate, Sergio Perez, on Lap 48. This move ignited a blistering 10-race winning streak, shattering the previous record of nine consecutive victories held by Sebastian Vettel.
Verstappen's reign was briefly interrupted by a fifth-place finish in Singapore on an off weekend, but he swiftly rebounded to secure triumphs in Japan and Qatar. The latter victory came in the Sprint race, clinching his third title of the season. As the dust settled, Verstappen had an astonishing 14 wins from 17 races, setting the stage for a climactic finale.
The Dutch sensation now stands on the precipice of breaking his own record of 15 wins in a single season, a feat within reach if he secures victory in just two more races. Should he manage a clean sweep in the final five events of the season, Verstappen will amass an impressive 54 career wins, surging past the legendary Sebastian Vettel with 53 wins and the iconic Alain Prost with 51, placing him third on the all-time winners' list.
In light of this extraordinary campaign, Horner lauded Verstappen's accomplishments and highlighted two races that exemplified his prowess. "There's been some tricky races that he's won [throughout the season]," Horner remarked. "That race in Suzuka was outstanding, it was totally dominant. Then difficult conditions in Zandvoort and so many difficult races that he's managed to navigate his way through - there's been some big wins this year."
Verstappen's journey in Formula 1 has been nothing short of extraordinary. Bursting onto the scene at just 17 years old in 2015, he raised eyebrows for his early entry into the sport, transitioning from karting with only two years of single-seater racing under his belt. His raw talent captured the attention of Red Bull's top brass, but it took six seasons for him to mount a credible title challenge. This was partly due to the overwhelming dominance of Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton and the relative lack of a competitive power unit at Red Bull's disposal.
Horner elaborated on Verstappen's evolution, saying, "Max has always had the speed from the very moment he sat in the car, and he now couples that with experience. He arrived in F1 as quite a rough diamond, but he's now a very polished diamond. He's maintained all those raw attributes that he had, but now brings experience."
As the Formula 1 season hurtles towards its climax, the upcoming United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, promises to be a thrilling spectacle. The 5.5-kilometre Circuit of the Americas will host this highly anticipated race.
Formula 1's popularity in the United States is on an upward trajectory, with the return of the Miami Grand Prix this year and the introduction of a new event in Las Vegas, taking place on the weekend of 16-18 November, making this a riveting time for Formula 1 fans across the nation.
In 2023, Max Verstappen's dominance and Red Bull's resurgence have redefined the landscape of Formula 1, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next twist in this captivating journey to the chequered flag.
