The 2023 Formula 1 season has unfolded as a spectacular display of dominance, with Red Bull Racing taking centre stage, triumphing in a staggering 16 out of 17 races.
However, the 1997 Formula 1 World Champion, Jacques Villeneuve, has pointed out that this year’s success is primarily attributed to Max Verstappen, rather than Red Bull Racing as a whole.
Villeneuve, a respected figure in the motorsport world, recently shared his insights with Gazzetta dello Sport, challenging the belief that Red Bull is an invincible force. He boldly asserted, “Saying Red Bull is unbeatable is a misconception; it’s Max who is.”
Villeneuve drew a comparison to the Mercedes era of dominance, emphasizing that Mercedes’ supremacy was largely due to their cars being a second faster than their competitors.
He elaborated, “Back then, there was competition only because there was internal rivalry among Mercedes drivers. Red Bull doesn’t hold such a significant speed advantage over the rest of the field. Their pole positions are hard-fought, and even when they secure one, it’s often by just a tenth of a second.”
Statistical data strongly supports Villeneuve’s argument. Max Verstappen has clinched a remarkable 14 out of those 16 victories, including an unprecedented streak of 10 consecutive wins.
Additionally, Red Bull Racing sealed both the driver’s and constructor’s championships during the Qatar Sprint race, marking their second consecutive double championship win.
This season, Verstappen’s extraordinary performance has set him apart from the rest of the field. He has consistently outperformed his teammate, Sergio Perez, who has faced challenges in finding his form and has only accumulated five points in the past three races.
Villeneuve emphasized Verstappen’s role by pointing out that it is the Dutch driver who consistently secures pole positions, not Perez. This discrepancy, according to Villeneuve, underscores the genuine potential of this year’s Red Bull car. He applauded Verstappen, saying, “Verstappen is exceptional. He has clinched the titles in the past three years, and his car wasn’t the sole decisive factor.”
As the 2023 Formula 1 season approaches its thrilling conclusion, the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, promises to be a captivating spectacle this upcoming weekend. The Circuit of the Americas, spanning 5.5 kilometres, will serve as the venue for this highly anticipated event. The race in Austin is part of Formula 1’s ongoing efforts to bolster its popularity in the United States.
Excitingly, the landscape of American Formula 1 is expanding. In addition to the United States Grand Prix, the Miami Grand Prix is set to make a return, and a new event in Las Vegas is scheduled later in the season.
