Max Verstappen had the most statistically dominant F1 season of all time in 2023, winning nineteen of the 22 races and the World Championship with a record-breaking 575 points. The Dutchman remained unopposed all season, setting numerous records in the progress of winning his third title.

Verstappen’s longtime rival Lewis Hamilton was not so lucky in 2023, continuing his now 2-year streak of not winning a single race in the pinnacle of motorsport, finishing third in the championship. However, even through this rough patch in the Briton’s career, he found respect to brand Verstappen’s campaign in 2023 a ‘flawless’ one, complimenting Red Bull too.

First of all we have to congratulate [Red Bull], this team have done an incredible job all year long, Max has been really flawless.

Hamilton said, as reported by eurosport.com

Lewis Hamilton has extended his contract with Mercedes to compete with Verstappen to achieve a record-breaking eighth world title, as Mercedes plans to overhaul their car development for the W15. Verstappen will go into the 2024 season as the reigning three-time champion, hoping to achieve the complete clean-sweep, a feat he could not achieve in 2023.

Lewis Hamilton recalls dismayed start to 2023 season

Mercedes entered the 2023 season as the vanquished former champions, being dethroned by Red Bull in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, winning only one race in 2022. The Brackley-based team could not manage to win a single race in 2023, a first for them since 12 years ago in 2011.

Lewis Hamilton started the season with slight hopes as Mercedes tried to develop their W14 to compete at the front. However, the Briton revealed that from the very beginning during testing of the vehicle, hopes were not high. Hamilton said that he knew from the very beginning that 2023 would be a long year with an uncompetitive car.

So, I was a little bit more cautious when I was listening, and I was like, 'We will see.' And then the car had all these problems. I just knew it was going to be a long year. 

Lewis Hamilton said, via formula1.com

Hamilton did manage to finish third in the championship even with the W14 though, even fighting Max Verstappen at the front a few times. The 38-year-old still has the drive to fight for race wins, and will be hoping for a more competitive W15 to aid him battle for victory.

In case you missed it:

• Max Verstappen reveals when he’ll get married to his supermodel girlfriend Kelly Piquet
• Lewis Hamilton proclaims his ‘full faith’ Mercedes W15 after factory visit 

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