Max Verstappen, the dominant force in Formula 1, recently made a bold statement, claiming that he would have won this year’s world championship even if driving for McLaren, and perhaps even faster than he did with Red Bull. This audacious comment follows his fourth consecutive championship win at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, achieved despite Red Bull’s mid-season struggles.
While Red Bull has been the top constructor for the past two years, McLaren and Ferrari emerged as strong contenders this season, surpassing Red Bull in performance at times. Despite these challenges, Verstappen’s unmatched skill allowed him to secure eight race victories, five more than any other driver. Notably, just one of these wins came in the final 12 races, underscoring his ability to extract the best from a car that wasn’t always the fastest.
After clinching the title, Verstappen reflected on the achievement, proudly stating, “For 70 percent of the season, we didn’t have the fastest car, but we still extended our lead.” His comments led to a playful exchange with McLaren CEO Zak Brown on Sky Sports F1, where Verstappen subtly referenced Brown’s earlier remarks questioning whether Verstappen’s success was solely due to Red Bull’s superior car.
Verstappen’s confidence continued in interviews with Dutch media. In De Telegraaf, he added, “If people think I can only win in the best car, I prove the opposite. If I don’t get credit for this now, then I don’t know what else I can do. Would I have become champion in the McLaren? Yes! And much earlier too.”
This statement directly countered Brown’s earlier comments on F1’s Beyond the Grid podcast, where Brown suggested that while top drivers are crucial, the car plays a significant role in winning championships. Verstappen’s response highlighted his exceptional talent in overcoming challenges and pointed to his ability to succeed regardless of the car’s performance.
When asked about the prospects of other drivers performing well in Red Bull amid its mid-season slump, Verstappen responded with characteristic humor, “We are in Vegas, so you can maybe bet on that. I would say, ‘I wish them the best of luck!’”
This season has not only showcased Verstappen’s extraordinary driving ability but also the evolving dynamics within Formula 1. With top teams like Red Bull, McLaren, and Ferrari in fierce competition, and Verstappen’s brilliant driving, the sport remains as exciting as ever. The ongoing debate between the importance of driver skill versus car performance will undoubtedly continue to captivate fans, especially as the season heads into its final three-race stretch, starting with the Qatar Grand Prix.
