Verstappen compares his 2023 triumph to McLaren's current reign in F1

10:55, 01 Jun

Updated: 11:27, 01 Jun

byKada Sarkozi

Max Verstappen was unstoppable in the 2023 season, earning 19 victories out of the 22 Grands Prix. The four-time world champion looked back on his outstanding season in Barcelona, and explained he doesn't expect a repeat of such a season.

This season, McLaren are the team to beat, similarly to how Red Bull were the dominant force in the 2023 campaign. At the Spanish Grand Prix, the Woking-based team also claimed a confident one-two finish.

Talking to GPblog among others after qualifying, the Dutch driver reflected on the last team he had such a dominant year.

"At a certain point in that season, it almost became [every time] a race to check off. That sounds very strange. But that's because you're constantly trying to achieve perfection. Because ultimately, if I had only won half of those races, I would still have become champion. But it doesn’t feel as good as trying to win everything. That season, we managed to do that very well, I think. And I don't think that will happen again so easily."

Verstappen could already 'snatch two' from Norris and Piastri

Regarding McLaren's current success, does Verstappen expect the British team to repeat what they achieved two years ago?

"Yes, this season is close with McLaren. At least, I’ve managed to snatch two from them, so that’s good," the defending world champion said.

Verstappen has qualified in third place on Saturday, setting the exact same time as George Russell, but the Dutchman completed his lap earlier. About the start, Verstappen said: "I think it's time to shine in Turn 1."

It will be important for Verstappen to score good points. Currently, the four-time world champion is 25 points behind the championship leader, Oscar Piastri in the drivers' standings.

This article was written in collaboration with Hidde Korte