Verstappen champion again: His successful 2023 F1 season in a nutshell

Rarely will a driver have cruised to the Formula 1 world title - yes this is the word - as much as the current season. Max Verstappen hasn't been held back in 2023 and with 13 Grand Prix wins (for now), he is well on his way to smashing his own record of most wins in a single year (15). It should therefore come as no surprise that the Dutchman can celebrate his third world title so early in the season. A review of Max Verstappen's absolute best year.

It seems like an eternity ago. As Sergio Perez celebrated his victory on the exit lap of the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, he asked his engineer if the point for the fastest race lap had also come his way. If so, the Mexican - even though only two races had been run - would have taken the championship lead. Perez's disappointment was audible when he learned that teammate Verstappen had snatched that one point from him.

There was no question of a duel with Perez

It was in the early stages of the season that Perez thought he had a serious chance of winning the world title. After four races, he was even tied with Verstappen in terms of number of wins. Would this then be the year, similar to how Nico Rosberg knocked Lewis Hamilton off the throne in 2016, in which Verstappen had to acknowledge his superiority to Perez? We now know that the answer to that question is 'no'. After the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Verstappen stepped it up a notch and wiped out all competitors (including Perez).

Think back, for example, to that Saturday in Monaco, where Fernando Alonso seemed to grab the surprising pole, an ideal starting position in the streets of the Principality. Verstappen seemed to struggle to beat the Spaniard's time, but in the very last sector squeezed everything out of it. In the pit box, the Aston Martin mechanics looked at each other in despair: "How can this be?". But Verstappen put in the ultimate lap, to take unchallenged victory a day later in Monaco - on a track that would not suit Red Bull as much.

Or the subsequent Spanish Grand Prix, where number two Lewis Hamilton was 24 seconds behind. And then that historic, 100th win in Formula 1 for Red Bull Racing, at the Canadian Grand Prix. The win in Hungary was also magical ("the car never felt so good before"). Verstappen crossed the finishing line while the closest pursuer at over half a minute was only driving in the second sector of the circuit.

Enjoying a wet Spa and Zandvoort

Dutch fans no doubt also remember the races on the (at times sopping wet) circuits of Spa-Francorchamps and Zandvoort. While some of his peers struggled to keep their cars on the track, Verstappen seemed totally unaffected by the treacherous conditions. Flawless in Belgium and the Netherlands, as the champion also maintained patience in Italy - where Ferrari led the race for a long time. Behind Sainz, Verstappen did not allow himself to be tempted into an unnecessary, risky manoeuvre. He waited patiently for his chance, and when it came, the Dutchman went for it.

Of course, there was the off-weekend in Singapore. For the first time this season, Red Bull Racing did not have things right and Verstappen did not even qualify in the top ten. Despite a poor strategy, Verstappen even managed to optimise that weekend. It was only a few metres away, or he almost managed to outsmart Charles Leclerc for P4. A fired-up Verstappen declassified everyone again just a week later, especially in qualifying.

Credits to Verstappen and Red Bull Racing

Of course all credit to Max Verstappen, who is having a truly fabulous season. Yet there must also be admiration for his team Red Bull Racing, which, led by master designer Adrian Newey, have built a rocket; a car that seems perfectly suited to Verstappen's qualities. Together, they form an invincible unit, one that delivers both the championship among constructors and now drivers. Three world titles in as many seasons; hats off to Max Verstappen!