Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen recently engaged in a war of words after the former claimed it was time to slow down the latter. However, Hamilton is not alone. Verstappen has been gloriously unchallenged this season, as is currently on a 5-race win streak. With Red Bull having won every race so far, their Golden Booted driver has been given the challenge of continuing the trend.
Heading to the British GP, the obvious question is repeated: Will anyone stop Verstappen this time? Or even come close? The Red Bull driver’s display of confidence in Austria was a resounding message to anyone who dared to dream. In a last-minute attempt, Verstappen had everyone questioning him, including his team, when he pitted from the race lead to challenge the fastest lap.
Max Verstappen, leading by 24 seconds with two laps to go, pits for soft tires in order to attempt to take home fastest lap on the final lap.
And he did.
This isn’t arrogance. It’s being a racer with confidence in himself, his equipment and his team. pic.twitter.com/cwkYPEpmfP
— Vincenzo Landino (@vincenzolandino) July 3, 2023
However, when he came out of the pitlane 5 seconds ahead of the nearest car, it was no doubt a statement was made. The Red Bull-Max Verstappen dynamic had become an unattainable one.
Max Verstappen given the ultimate challenge
Now, Verstappen has been challenged to do something that has never been done: push Red Bull to win every race in the season. Although Sergio Perez contributed to two wins this season- it seems like a drop in Verstappen’s ocean. Further, with the way things are going- it is likely that Verstappen will be leading the charge for the rest of the season.
Thus, in an environment where Lewis Hamilton and other drivers denounce the Dutchman’s reign, Verstappen is urged to make them angrier.
Speaking to Vegas Insider, Juan Pablo Montoya stated, “I think we have to say that Max Verstappen is going to win. I think it would be amazing if he is going to win all the races and it would shut everybody up and that would be pretty cool.”
While it seems inevitable that Verstappen takes the top step in Hamilton’s backyard, it surely would be salt in the wounds for the Brit.
Red Bull Boss up for the challenge
The only team that has ever come close to winning every race was McLaren in 1988- winning 15 out of 16 races on the calendar. However, with 22 races this season, it would be nothing short of magnificent if Red Bull pull it off.
In fact, Christian Horner is ready to roll in the majesty; but one step at a time. Being realistic, he stated, “Will we do it? Who knows. Silverstone will be an epic, fantastic weekend, but who knows what obstacles there might be.”
What a way to finish a perfect weekend @redbullracing 🏆
An absolutely amazing job by everyone in the team 💪
A big thank you goes out to everyone for joining us on the Red Bull Ring! Your support is seriously unmatched 👏🦁#AustrianGP pic.twitter.com/OtDDffn6WB
— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) July 2, 2023
The British GP has been bad juju for the team, who hasn’t tasted success on the track. “We saw what happened last year and we haven’t won there since 2012 with Webber. It will be an important race for us on the calendar.”
Thus, this should rejuvenate the other teams into trying to hit Verstappen while he’s vulnerable. But is there a kryptonite for Verstappen? Only time will tell.
