Max Verstappen: Among the legends with a triple championship in Formula 1

Dutch Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, who made a show of strength in Formula 1 this season, declared his third victory in the championship with 5 races left in the season.

Two years ago, Verstappen, who won his first Formula 1 championship by leaving the British Mercedes driver, Lewis Hamilton, behind in the controversial moments of the last lap of the last race and who entered the agenda by decision of the race director Michael Masi has seen major changes to the cars and racing rules since last season and put in a dominant performance.

Verstappen, who came first in 13 of the 16 races held before the Qatar Grand Prix and won two of the three sprint races, achieved one of the easiest victories of the championship with second place in the sprint race in Doha, where I just needed to win. Three points.

Verstappen, who achieved a total of 14 race wins this season and stood on the podium 16 times, also won pole position 10 times and recorded the fastest lap time 8 times.

Verstappen, who was behind his teammate Sergio Pérez in the races in Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan, could not prevent Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz from getting on the podium in Singapore.

UNITED BETWEEN LEGENDARY PILOTS

With this victory, Verstappen joined the legendary Qatari drivers who won the championship three times in a row. Among the names who have achieved this title in the history of Formula 1 are the Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio (1954-57), the German drivers Michael Schumacher (2000-2004) and Sebastian Vettel (2010-2013), as well as the British Lewis Hamilton. (2017-2020).

AMONG THE ELITE OF FORMULA 1

Described as the “Senna of our time” by some Formula 1 enthusiasts, Max Verstappen joined the elite of drivers achieving great success not only with his contribution to the performance of his vehicle, but also with his driving ability.

Verstappen now joins three-time world champion Ayrton Senna, Niki Lauda, ​​Jackie Stewart, Jack Brabham and Nelson Piquet Sr. He is remembered in the same league with legendary drivers such as.

HISTORICAL DOMINATION

Outshining his rivals with his outstanding performance this season, Verstappen left his mark on Formula 1 history with 10 consecutive victories.

The young driver achieved unique success by continuing this series of victories, which began from the Miami Grand Prix, fifth race of the season, to the Italian Grand Prix, fourteenth race.

The previous record in this field belonged to German driver Sebastian Vettel, who made history by winning 9 races in a row in 2013. Additionally, Verstappen held the leading position for 769 laps this season, surpassing Vettel’s record of leading for 739 laps. , which broke in 2013.

NEW RECORD EXPECTATION FROM VERSTAPPEN

Mercedes and Ferrari’s hopes of increasing their competitiveness are put under pressure by the question “Will Verstappen be champion?” The answer to this question became clear at the Qatar Grand Prix. However, before the season ends, the Dutch driver can take his current records even further.

With his 15 race wins and 454 total points last year, Verstappen held the title of being the driver who won the most races and accumulated the most points in a season.

The 26-year-old driver, who has won 14 races so far this year and is in the lead with 433 points in total, draws attention for his potential to renew his record.

The Formula 1 season will continue with the American Grand Prix on October 22 and November 18, the Mexican Grand Prix on October 29, the Brazilian Grand Prix on November 5 and will end with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on November 26.

As a reminder, Verstappen was at the top of the podium last season, taking first place in the races in the United States, Mexico and Abu Dhabi.

THE OPPORTUNITY LOST BY MERCEDES 8 YEARS AGO

While we witness Verstappen’s success today, it is surprising to know that Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff had plans to add this young talent to his team 8 years ago. However, Red Bull, which offered more attractive conditions, became the champion for the next few years with this move.

Wolff sat down with Verstappen and his father Jos Verstappen in 2015; However, due to ongoing contracts with Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, he was only able to offer the young star a seat in Formula 2. However, with Red Bull’s bid for the Toro Rosso team, Verstappen was thrown into the race. Formula 1 scene. Verstappen, who contested his first race at the 2015 Australian Grand Prix, won the title of “youngest F1 driver in history” at the age of 17 years and 166 days.

RACING DNA IN VERSTAPPEN’S GENES

Max Verstappen carries the genes of his father, former F1 driver Jos, and his mother, karting racer Sophie Kumpen. Max, who lived with his father after their divorce in 2008, was mentioned in his father’s shadow for his driving style early in his career.

Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s director of driver development, said: “Jos doesn’t think, he’s completely instinctive. Max is more thoughtful. His character and education are different from José’s. “His character is similar to that of his mother.” He commented:

Additionally, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said of Max: “Sophie was a smart racer and I think Max has his father’s aggression and his mother’s racing mind. “You can see both talents at different times.” he shared the assessment of it. (AA)