Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 world champion, has found himself amid a power struggle within his team, Red Bull Racing. His father, Jos Verstappen, has publicly expressed a desire to see Red Bull team principal Christian Horner ousted from his position, suggesting that the team could “explode” if Horner remains in charge. Horner’s under investigation over alleged misconduct, something he’s outright denied. This is happening now.
Verstappen, amidst the chaos, stands by Red Bull. He points out the team’s good vibes, stressing unity. Verstappen’s mentor, Helmut Marko, has confirmed that he will continue with Red Bull after discussions with the CEO of Red Bull’s sports operations, Oliver Mintzlaff.
Marko’s role is important as he has been a close adviser to the late Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz and focuses on developing drivers like Verstappen. Marko’s stability? It could decide whether Verstappen sticks around with the team or not. Despite the controversies, Verstappen has backed Horner’s track record as a team leader, focusing on the performance side.
He has also distanced himself from the rift between his father and Horner, stating that he does not see himself racing in Formula One without his father by his side. Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull that runs through 2028, and he has indicated his intention to stay with the team as long as the performance is there.
Red Bull’s drama isn’t just about the team. It dives deep, tangled with Thai co-owners clashing. Some whisper of a bigger war for control, a showdown between Thai and Austrian powers. Amidst this backdrop, Verstappen continues to focus on his racing, having won the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and looking set to dominate another season on the track.
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Verstappen spoke before, stressing how crucial it is for Red Bull to keep their team structure just as it is. Red Bull’s Verstappen champions harmony, hinting it’s their secret to success. He has also acknowledged Ferrari’s long and successful history, hinting at a slight chance he could race for them after his current contract ends.
While tension is within the Red Bull garage, Verstappen’s voice advocates for peace. It focuses on racing performance, even as his father and others around him engage in a power struggle.
How has Max Verstappen’s performance been in recent races
Max Verstappen’s performance in recent races has been exceptional. In the 2023 Formula 1 season, he dominated by setting several records, including the most wins in a season with 19 victories out of 22 Grands Prix, the highest percentage of wins in a season at 86.36%, and becoming the first driver to lead for more than 1,000 laps in a season. In a stunning display of skill, he locked in his third consecutive world championship. Finished the season at Red Bull Racing, breaking the record for the most points a team has ever won.
At the start of the 2024 season, Verstappen continued his strong performance by taking pole position at the Bahrain Grand Prix, indicating his readiness to continue his winning streak. Despite some concerns during the Bahrain practice sessions, where he only managed sixth-place finishes, his overall performance shows a driver at the top of his game, as seen in his commanding victory at the Japanese Grand Prix in 2023.
Verstappen’s performance has been so dominant that it has led to comments from other team principals, like Toto Wolff of Mercedes, who remarked that Verstappen’s performance was from a “different galaxy” during the Bahrain Grand Prix. This level of performance suggests that Verstappen is set to continue his dominance in the 2024 season, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
What are some of Max Verstappen’s notable achievements in recent races?
Max Verstappen’s been on fire lately, racking up wins and making waves. Undoubtedly, he’s proving himself as a top contender in the Formula 1 world. Here are some of his key achievements:
- Three-Time World Champion: Verstappen has won the Formula 1 World Championship in 2021, 2022, and 2023, showcasing his consistency and dominance in the sport.
- Record for Most Wins in a Season: In 2023, Verstappen set a new record for the most wins in a single Formula 1 season, with 19 out of 22 races. Smashing records, his performance throughout the year was nothing short of exceptional.
- Highest Percentage of Wins in a Season: Alongside his record for the most wins, Verstappen also set the record for the highest percentage of wins, winning 86.36% of the races in 2023. This achievement underscores his dominance over the competition.
- Most Consecutive Top-Two Finishes: Verstappen matched Michael Schumacher’s record from 2002 for the most consecutive top-two finishes, with a streak that ended at the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix. This consistency at the front of the pack is a testament to his skill and his car’s competitiveness.
- Most Laps Led in a Season: In 2023, Verstappen broke the record for the most laps led in a single season, surpassing Sebastian Vettel’s previous record. By the Qatar Grand Prix, he had conducted over 1,003 laps, demonstrating his ability to maintain the lead under various conditions.
- Highest Percentage of Laps Led in a Season: Verstappen also set the record for the highest percentage of laps led in a season, leading 75.54% of the total laps. This achievement indicates his speed and his team’s strategic excellence.
- Most Pitstops by the Winning Driver in One Race: At the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix, Verstappen matched Jenson Button’s record by making six pitstops en route to victory. This race showcased his adaptability and the team’s strategic flexibility under changing conditions.
How has Max Verstappen’s performance been in the last five races
Max Verstappen has demonstrated exceptional performance in the last five races, securing victories in all of them. Here’s a summary of his achievements in these races:
- STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (2024): Verstappen won the race, starting from pole position
- Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix (2024): He also clinched victory in Bahrain, again starting from pole position.
- Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (2023): Verstappen won the race, continuing his dominance in the season.
- Las Vegas Grand Prix (2023): He secured another victory, adding to his impressive tally for the season.
- São Paulo Grand Prix (2023): Verstappen won the race, showcasing his consistent performance across different circuits.
These results highlight Verstappen’s dominance in Formula 1, with his ability to consistently secure pole positions and convert them into race wins. His performance in these races has contributed significantly to his standing in the championship, reinforcing his position as one of the top drivers in the sport.
