Max Verstappen, Not Red Bull, Is the Reason for the Absolute Domination in 2023; Claims Schumacher

Tejas Venkatesh | 12/06/2023
Max Verstappen, Not Red Bull, Is the Reason for the Absolute Domination in 2023; Claims Schumacher

Red Bull has won all 7 races of the 2023 season so far, displaying unstoppable dominance over the rest of the grid. However, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes its Max Verstappen who should be credited for the team’s success.

The Dutchman has showcased his exemplary racecraft since the start of the season. With his win in the 2023 Spanish GP, he surpassed Sebastian Vettel as Red Bull’s most successful race winner.

The 2x world champion made no errors and has dominated races even when conditions were against him. Like in Monaco, where Verstappen secured pole position by making up three-tenths in the last sector.

Max Verstappen is the reason for Red Bull’s dominance

Ralf Schumacher believes Red Bull has undoubtedly developed the best car on the grid. However, it’s Max Verstappen who brings home the results, even when the team makes mistakes.

“At the moment, it looks like Red Bull can have a perfect season,” Schumacher told on Sky Germany. He added, “But we are also talking about the Max Verstappen factor here.”

The F1 pundit claims his teammate Sergio Perez has the same car. However, Perez’s performances have slumped recently. The driver crashed out in Q1 in Monaco and failed to secure a podium in Barcelona after qualifying P11.

Schumacher believes Red Bull’s rivals will catch up with the RB19 as the season progresses. However, the German claims it’s Verstappen’s season for the taking.

Can Sergio Perez or Mercedes beat Verstappen?

Sergio Perez gets to drive the same car as Max Verstappen and was considered a favorite for the title. Despite having equal machinery, the Mexican’s inconsistent results have decreased his chances of challenging Verstappen.

Ralf Schumacher rules out Perez, who stands 53 points behind the Dutchman in the standings. However, the German claims Mercedes has the best chance of disrupting Red Bull’s spotless record and preventing them from achieving a 1-2 finish in the championship.

Red Bull has never achieved a 1-2 finish in the title race and is eying to achieve that feat in 2023. However, Schumacher warns Mercedes could spoil the Milton-Keynes-based team’s party with their development plans.

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell claimed P2 and P3 in the Spanish GP after the Silver Arrows introduced an upgraded W14. Schumacher expects the Brackley-based team to improve in the coming races.

Schumacher stated, “Mercedes has the best chance of disrupting Verstappen here and there as the season progresses. There is still potential in the new car. I think there is more potential than at Red Bull.”

With more upgrades expected, Schumacher predicts Mercedes to make the season exciting. This poses a threat to Checo’s position as P2 in the driver’s standings. Failure to finish second could also see the driver replaced by Daniel Ricciardo for the upcoming season.

Post Edited By: Shreya Sanjeev
Max Verstappen Red Bull

About the author

Tejas Venkatesh

Tejas Venkatesh is a Motorsports writer at The SportsRush. He started watching F1 in 2007 and fell in love with the sound of the revving V8s. A technical nerd, tejas loves to nerd over the technical beauty only motorsports can achieve. He calls himself a Vettel fanboy and spent the night crying after Hockenheim 2018. Apart from F1, Tejas is an avid Chelsea Fan and loves football.

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