With Max Verstappen Failing to Recover, Red Bull Star Fails to Match Michael Schumacher’s ‘Unbeatable’ Record

Kriti Shukla | 18/09/2023
With Max Verstappen Failing to Recover, Red Bull Star Fails to Match Michael Schumacher’s ‘Unbeatable’ Record

Max Verstappen, after dominating the entire season, saw a sudden slump in Singapore, failing to match a record set by Michael Schumacher of gaining podiums in all races across a season. Schumacher achieved this particular feat in 2002. Despite rigorous efforts in Singapore, Verstappen only managed to secure P5, with the last jump coming after Russell’s crash in the closing stages. Because of that, Verstappen won’t be able to break the ‘unbeatable’ record set by Michael Schumacher.

The champion of the world twice, Verstappen came to the Marina Bay street circuit on the back of a record-setting run of 10 successive race victories. Red Bull’s undefeated streak in 2023, which traces back to last season and totals an impressive 15 consecutive wins, is also a record in Formula One history.

However, the RB19 wasn’t nearly fast enough in Singapore. The Dutchman started in P11, but could only get up to P5. He missed out on a podium place for the first time this season.

Max Verstappen fails and Schumacher’s record remains safe

Michael Schumacher set the record for the most number wins in a single season in 2004, with 13 victories. This was an incredible achievement and marked one of the high points of his legendary career. He was driving for Ferrari at the time and his performance that season is still remembered as one of the most dominant in Formula One history. That record was, however, broken by Verstappen when he won 15 races in 2022.

Additionally, thanks to his exploits in the 2002 season, he remains the only driver to finish on the podium in every single race of a season.

Comparatively, in 2023, Max Verstappen created a record by winning ten consecutive Grands Prix. He achieved this feat at the Italian Grand Prix. Verstappen’s record-breaking run was a result of his unmatched form, winning 12 of the first 14 races of the season.

Despite their dominance throughout the season, Red Bull could not secure a win at Marina Bay circuit.  The team was aware that it would be a challenging race. As Verstappen stated as reported by CNN, “You can’t pass. On other tracks you can start last and win the race but not here” .

This race marked the first time in 2023 that Red Bull failed to win a race.

Red Bull’s perfect season hopes dashed at Marina Bay

The 2023 Formula 1 season has been perfect for Red Bull, with Max Verstappen at the helm of their title charge. The Dutchman’s perfect time kept hopes of setting a new record alive, but the Singapore Grand Prix became Red Bull‘s Achilles’ heel.

Red Bull will likely make a strong comeback in the next few races. The team is also in a good position to win the constructors’ title in Japan next weekend. However, Verstappen will not be able to lift the driver’s title until at least a race in Qatar.

The Singapore Grand Prix showed that without Verstappen, the grid would be close. The last 20 laps were incredible, with many drivers fighting for the win. The race was a thrilling reminder of the fierce competition that Formula 1 is all about.

 

 

 

Post Edited By: Somin Bhattacharjee
Max Verstappen

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Kriti Shukla

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