Sure, let’s give a fresh spin to the text!
- Racking Up Consecutive Wins in F1
One of the most intimidating records in sight, where even a minor pit mistake or a slip on the track means back to square one. Historically, only the likes of Alberto Ascari, Michael Schumacher (two times, no less), Sebastian Vettel, Nico Rosberg, and now Verstappen have clocked more than five successive wins. Notably, it’s a field where the Germans have outshone others, thanks to Vettel’s jaw-dropping nine consecutive wins in 2013.
Verstappen, with his sizzling streak of eight continuous victories this season, isn’t just chasing the record; he’s on the verge of taking it to dizzying new levels.
The plot thickens as the record-matching feat might unfold at his home ground during the Dutch GP at Zandvoort, where Verstappen is the undisputed king. The baton could pass from Vettel to Verstappen at Monza during the Italian GP. Grab your popcorn!
- Maxing Out F1 Wins in a Season
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB19
Photo by: Erik Junius
Verstappen last year made 13 wins look old-school, trumping Michael Schumacher (2004) and Vettel (2013) by clinching 15 victories. Fast forward to now, and it’s on the brink of another upgrade.
Verstappen is at 10 wins in 2023, and considering the man’s on fire, breaking the record seems almost like a Sunday drive. Six wins from the next 10 races? He might get it done by the time they hit the United States GP.
Red Bull has been perfection itself, winning the first 12 rounds. Even a mishap like the one in Brazil last year is unlikely to dent their chances of smashing Mercedes’ 2016 record of 19 wins. Red Bull, just eight more to go.
- Scoring the Most Points in a Single F1 Season
With 314 points, Verstappen’s gone beyond championship-winning scores like Vettel’s in 2010 and 2012, and we’re only halfway through. Thank the three sprint races and those tasty bonus points.
Averaging 26.16 points per event this year, Verstappen’s final tally might just skyrocket past 570, eclipsing his own record of 454 points. As for Red Bull, they’re eyeing Mercedes’ 765 points set in 2016. And let’s not overlook Sergio Perez’s podiums. Every point’s a step closer to glory.
- Largest Margin of Victory in an F1 Championship
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Red Bull Racing
Vettel must be clutching this record tightly, but Verstappen is knocking on his door. Vettel’s record was extended to 155 points over Alonso in 2013. Verstappen was close in 2022 but ended at 146 over Leclerc. However, 2023 might just be the year, as Verstappen’s lead over Perez (now at 125 points) hasn’t waned since April’s Azerbaijan GP.
Red Bull’s also aiming to break Mercedes’ 297-point record from 2016, though Mercedes and McLaren’s resurgence may put a few bumps in the road.
- Most Wins from Different Grid Slots in F1
Verstappen had initially only won from the top four grid slots in his first seven years. But 2022 changed the game, seeing victories from nine different starting places. With wins still to come from fifth and eighth, he’s eyeballing Alonso’s overall record.
Monza’s higher overtaking chances could again lead to grid penalties this year, offering Verstappen a golden opportunity to outdo Alonso.
- Greatest Percentage of Laps Led in an F1 Season
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB19
Photo by: Michael Potts / F1 Flow Images
Leading 567 laps this year, Verstappen might eclipse Vettel’s 739 laps at the front, possibly in Singapore. Shockingly, he might lead 1000 laps this season if the pace continues.
Red Bull’s been the big bully, leading over 95% of all laps. To break Senna and Prost’s 1988 record, they need to lead 596 of the next 602 laps. A tall order, but F1’s always got surprises in store.
- Longest String of Consecutive Podium Finishes in F1
Schumacher’s 19 consecutive podium finishes from 2002 are legendary, but Verstappen, with 13 straight since Abu Dhabi, is closing in. Only Alonso (15), Hamilton (16), and Schumacher (19) are ahead. The record might tumble in Mexico at Perez’s home race this year.
Watch out, records! Verstappen and Red Bull are coming for you.
Contributed by Sundaram Ramaswami, also known as the F1 StatsGuru, a master of F1 stats, and one cool content creator on social media.
