In the world of Formula 1, the name Max Verstappen is becoming synonymous with success and dominance. The talented Dutch driver, at the tender age of 25, is setting new records and rewriting history with every race. His recent comfortable victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix has once again highlighted Red Bull’s sheer supremacy in the sport. With 12 consecutive wins, starting from last season’s final race in Abu Dhabi, the team has surpassed McLaren’s legendary streak of 11 victories in 1988. Verstappen’s remarkable drive at the Hungaroring adds yet another chapter to Red Bull’s illustrious history, leading fans and experts to wonder if this could indeed be a perfect season for the team.
As Verstappen cruised to victory in Hungary, breaking records and making headlines, it is evident that Red Bull’s combination of talent and technology is unparalleled in the current F1 landscape. The team, which also benefits from a Honda engine, is proving that they do not need a second driver even close to Verstappen’s calibre to dominate the competition. While Sergio Perez secured a couple of victories earlier in the season, he has struggled in recent races, leaving Verstappen to take control of the team’s fortunes with remarkable consistency.
The 2019-20 season was reminiscent of Red Bull’s current position when they faced a similar situation with Christian Eriksen. The Danish midfielder was held onto until January before being sold to Inter Milan, but the risks associated with allowing a star player to enter the final year of their contract have become apparent. For Verstappen, his contract with Red Bull is set to expire next summer, and while the team has given the impression that they are prepared to let him enter the final year of his deal, it is a risky strategy.
Allowing Verstappen to go into the last year of his contract could potentially lead to him signing a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club in January or joining a Premier League rival for free next summer. The stakes are high, and Red Bull may find themselves in a precarious position if they cannot secure a contract extension with their star driver soon.
Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Verstappen’s record-breaking form raises the question of just how many F1 records will be shattered in 2023. Mercedes’ previous achievement of 19 victories in a year, set in 2016, now looks vulnerable as Red Bull’s dominance shows no signs of abating. McLaren’s 1988 record of winning all but one race is also under threat, and the team has the potential to become the first in F1 history to achieve such a feat.
As for Verstappen himself, he is closing in on Sebastian Vettel’s record of nine consecutive wins, which the German driver achieved with Red Bull in 2013. Moreover, Verstappen has his sights set on smashing his own record of 15 wins in a single season, an achievement he accomplished just last year.
Red Bull’s success this season is all the more remarkable when we consider the new regulations designed to level the playing field and make it harder for teams to gain a technical advantage. Despite this, the team’s dominance continues, further solidifying Verstappen’s place among the greats of F1 history. His remarkable skill behind the wheel has drawn comparisons to legendary drivers like Alberto Ascari, Juan Manuel Fangio, Jim Clark, Nigel Mansell, and Michael Schumacher. In the same breath, Red Bull’s RB19 will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the sport’s all-time great cars.
While Red Bull’s dominance has sparked discussions around budget caps and resource allocation, the team’s accomplishments this year surpass McLaren’s achievements in 1988. Back then, F1 was transitioning from turbo engines to normally aspirated ones, and the field was relatively less competitive. Today, the competition is fierce, with teams like Mercedes and McLaren having their own moments of glory.
In a sport driven by innovation, strategy, and exceptional driving, Red Bull’s performance and Verstappen’s talent are shining brighter than ever before. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the team as they continue to sweep all before them in Formula 1. Verstappen’s impact on the sport is undeniable, and each race serves as a reminder of his immense skill and focus. With the support of the whole team and a remarkable streak of success, Verstappen’s journey to more records and victories is far from over. F1 enthusiasts can only marvel at the greatness unfolding before their eyes and eagerly anticipate what lies ahead in this historic season.
