Reigning Drivers’ Champion Max Verstappen is in the form of his life as he has already clinched six wins from the first eight races of the 2023 season. And as the Dutchman continues to achieve more and more success, he also continues to register more records. The most recent record that Verstappen matched last weekend at the Canadian Grand Prix was the win record of legendary Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna (41).
After winning his 41st race, Verstappen stated (as quoted by formula1.com) that he hates to “compare different generations”. And if he thinks about himself, all he ever dreamt of was to become an F1 driver.
Verstappen then concluded his remarks by stating that he would have never even dreamt of winning 41 races and that he was extremely proud to tie Senna’s record. However, if one looks back at the 25-year-old’s comments from 2018, it seems that he is contradicting himself.
“I am not here to win four races…“: Max Verstappen in 2018
Ever since Max Verstappen made his F1 debut at the 2015 Australian Grand Prix at the age of 17 years, 166 days, many knew that he was destined for success. However, despite that, few would have imagined that the Dutchman would have achieved as much success as he has had today.
Verstappen is already a double world champion and is edging ever closer to winning his third title this year. And considering the way with which Verstappen is racking up his wins, he may even achieve more records in that regard.
And if one looks back at the Red Bull driver’s remarks from 2018, it seems that he was always confident in doing so. While speaking back then (as quoted by grandprix247.com), Verstappen said, “I am not here to win four races. I am here to win 50 or 60“. If Red Bull continues to provide Verstappen with a quick enough car, it will likely be very difficult for anyone to stop his dominance.
Can Red Bull continue to provide Verstappen with a quick car?
Most of Red Bull’s success has come thanks to the genius of aero God Adrian Newey. The 64-year-old is widely considered to be one of the best designers in F1 history and has proven his worth at Red Bull by helping them win six Drivers’ Championships and five Constructors’ Championships.
However, considering Newey’s recent remarks, he may not stay at Red Bull for a much longer time. After Max Verstappen grabbed Red Bull’s 100th win in Canada, Newey told Sky Sports, “My career can’t go on forever, so as long as the team wants me and I enjoy it, I will keep going. Realistically, it’s on a countdown. Exactly when that day is, I don’t know“.
These comments do not bode well for Verstappen and Red Bull’s future as Newey has been with them from the very beginning. Hence, if the Milton Keynes outfit is to produce a quick enough car after Newey retires, then they will need to sign someone as good as Newey.
And doing so is going to be far from easy. Moreover, since Verstappen himself has repeatedly raised concerns about his future, one does not know how much longer he plan on continuing in F1.
