Max Verstappen drives to his third world title in a row in inimitable style. A former Formula 1 champion is clear: The dominance is not due to the Red Bull racers, but solely to the skill and talent of the Dutchman.
Max Verstappen’s record in 2023 is shockingly good: 14 race wins in 17 races. It’s pure dominance. In Qatar he was crowned world champion early – for the third time in a row. And as always in Formula 1, the question resonates: Is it because of the strong car? On the driver? At both?
A former champion has a clear position regarding Verstappen.
Red Bull unbeatable? “That’s wrong”
Jacques Villeneuve is certain: Max Verstappen makes the difference – and not his team.
“It’s wrong to say that Red Bull is unbeatable, Max is,” the 1997 world champion told Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport. “You have to remember that Mercedes were a second quicker than the rest when they dominated,” said the Canadian.
“At that time there was only one fight because there was a conflict between the Mercedes drivers,” said Villeneuve, who was referring, among other things, to the rivalry between record champion Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.
“Verstappen got the poles, not Perez”
The situation with the Bulls is different: “Red Bull is not a second faster than the rest of the field. They are fighting for pole position and if they manage it at all, then only by a tenth of a second.” The comparison between the two RB pilots also provides information. “Verstappen got the poles, not Perez.” The Mexican is further back every time, which shows the level of the car.
Villeneuve’s conclusion: “Verstappen is a beast. He has won the title in the last three years. The car was not the deciding factor.”