Red Bull Racing, based in Milton Keynes, is basking in the glory of a stellar performance, having secured wins in all 13 races of the 2023 Formula 1 season thus far. Max Verstappen, the Dutch dynamo, clinched his ninth back-to-back victory at his home turf in Zandvoort just this past weekend.
The duo—Verstappen and Red Bull—are on a trajectory to add not one but two more world championship titles to Newey’s already impressive tally. This list of accomplishments includes triumphs with other notable teams such as Williams and McLaren.
Adrian Newey, never one to mince words, has gone on the record to proclaim Verstappen as a force to be reckoned with in the annals of F1 history. “Since securing the 2021 championship, Max has only elevated his performance, easing the self-imposed pressure. His driving has improved leaps and bounds,” Newey stated in an interview with F1 Flow.com.
Newey emphasizes that Verstappen is a master of multitasking on the track. “Max, like other legends of the sport, gives you the impression that he’s driving the car on autopilot, freeing up cognitive resources for strategic maneuvers,” he observed.
Even for Newey, a veteran who’s had the pleasure of working with standout drivers like Nigel Mansell and Sebastian Vettel, the 2023 season is a cut above the rest. “The kind of consistency and reliability demonstrated by both the team and driver this year is unprecedented in my career. Sure, I’ve been part of seasons where we’ve dominated the first six races, but thirteen in a row? This is new territory,” he exclaimed.
On the topic of whether Red Bull might slacken its 2023 developmental efforts, potentially letting rivals catch up, Newey offered a cautious view. “Most teams are likely already fixated on next year’s car, so it remains to be seen how much effort they will invest for the remainder of this season. As for us, we are gradually shifting our resources to the 2024 season,” he admitted.
Despite a string of victories, the team faced challenges in Zandvoort, particularly with Verstappen’s tire strategy during the rain-soaked event. Both Verstappen and his teammate, Sergio Perez, switched to full-wet tires just before the red flag was hoisted. “Looking back, it’s easy to say we should’ve opted for intermediate tires right from the get-go. Hindsight is always 20-20,” Newey conceded.
Perez also experienced his fair share of drama, including a spin, a collision with the Tecpro barrier, and a near-miss at the pit entry. The team seized the opportunity presented by the red flag to attend to the car. “There was damage to the beam wing, which we were able to fix thanks to the stoppage. Had the race continued without the red flag, it would’ve been touch-and-go regarding the car’s structural integrity,” Newey clarified.
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So, there you have it, folks! In the fast and furious world of Formula 1, the 2023 season is writing a storyline that even Hollywood might find a bit too implausible. Yet here we are, and as far as Adrian Newey is concerned, Max Verstappen isn’t just part of the show; he’s becoming one of its legendary headliners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Max Verstappen
Who is Adrian Newey and why is his opinion on Max Verstappen significant?
Adrian Newey is the Chief Technology Officer of Red Bull Racing, a leading team in Formula 1. His career includes work with other successful teams like Williams and McLaren. His opinion holds weight because he has been part of multiple championship-winning campaigns and has worked with some of the greats in the sport.
What did Adrian Newey say about Max Verstappen’s standing in the F1 community?
Newey unequivocally stated that Max Verstappen is now one of the “all-time greats” in Formula 1. He believes Verstappen’s performance has been on an upward trajectory ever since he won the championship in 2021.
What notable achievement did Red Bull Racing accomplish in the 2023 F1 season?
Red Bull Racing, led by Max Verstappen, won the first 13 races of the 2023 Formula 1 season. This is an unprecedented feat that Newey says is “new territory” even for his seasoned career.
Is Red Bull Racing planning to back off on their 2023 developmental efforts?
Adrian Newey indicated that while the team isn’t exactly backing off, they are gradually shifting their focus towards the 2024 season. He believes other teams are likely doing the same.
What challenges did Red Bull Racing face during the Zandvoort race?
Red Bull Racing faced challenges particularly with tire strategy during the rain-soaked Zandvoort race. Both Max Verstappen and his teammate, Sergio Perez, switched to full-wet tires right before a red flag was raised, a decision that Newey later thought might have been too conservative.
What issues did Sergio Perez encounter during the Zandvoort race?
Sergio Perez had a tumultuous race that included a spin, a collision with the Tecpro barrier, and a near-miss at the pit entry. Despite this, the team was able to repair his car during a red-flag period.
How many world championship titles is Red Bull Racing expected to add this year?
The team, along with Max Verstappen, is expected to add two more world championship titles to Adrian Newey’s already illustrious career, which also includes successes with Williams and McLaren.
How has Max Verstappen’s driving changed since he won the championship in 2021 according to Newey?
According to Adrian Newey, winning the championship in 2021 took a lot of pressure off Max Verstappen. His driving has since improved substantially, and he appears to operate almost on “autopilot,” leaving him mental bandwidth for strategic thinking.
More about Max Verstappen
- Adrian Newey’s Career Highlights
- Max Verstappen’s 2021 Championship Win
- Red Bull Racing’s 2023 Season Performance
- Formula 1 Legends: A Historical Overview
- Tire Strategy in Formula 1
- Zandvoort Circuit: The Home Advantage
- The Tecpro Barrier: What You Need to Know
- A Look at F1 Team Consistency and Reliability Over the Years
- Future of Formula 1: What’s in Store for 2024?
9 comments
Woah, 13 wins in a row for Red Bull? thats insane man! Max is really on fire this season, No kidding Newey calls him a legend!
Adrian Newey working with Max is like Spielberg working with Tom Hanks. Pure magic! I mean, the guy’s got a point. Max is setting new records like it’s a walk in the park.
If Max Verstappen was a rockstar, he’d be a mix of Jimi Hendrix and Freddie Mercury, for real! Like he’s so in tune with his car, it’s like watching a maestro.
Anyone else curious bout what Red Bull’s focusing on for 2024? If they’re this good now, can’t imagine what they’ll pull off next year.
Dont usually follow F1, but man, Max and Red Bull are making headlines every week. Is this guy the next Schumacher or what?
the guys who stayed out an extra lap in Zandvoort must be kicking themselves lol. Timing is everything in this sport.
Newey’s experience is like gold in F1. He’s seen it all, from Williams to McLaren and now with Red Bull. Max couldn’t have a better mentor. 2023 is turning out to be an epic season.
If someone made a movie about this season, who’d play Max? Just curious, cause it sounds like the plot of a blockbuster!
Gotta give it to Newey and his team, they’re like the Apple of F1. always one step ahead and bringing out the best in Max. those tire strategies tho, they gotta up their game a bit.