Lewis Hamilton claims that Max Verstappen’s Red Bull will ‘unfortunately’ be dominating till 2026

Lewis Hamilton has won 82 races and six titles in the eight years between 2014 and 2021.

Lewis Hamilton claims that Max Verstappen’s Red Bull will ‘unfortunately’ be dominating till 2026

Red Bull and Max Verstappen celebrating the Monaco GP victory (Left, credits: The Hindu) and Lewis Hamilton (right, credits: Planet F1)

Red Bull‘s undisputed supremacy in the 2023 season is unmistakable, with an unbroken string of victories. Since the implementation of new regulations in 2022, they’ve wrested the “F1 dominance” title from Mercedes. Poised to clinch their sixth world championship and Max Verstappen‘s third, Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes ironically remarked that perpetual dominance by a single team is not good for the sport. 

The new Downforce era witnessed Red Bull’s ascent to dominance. Leading the standings by a remarkable 256-point margin over Mercedes, their unbeaten 13-race winning streak solidifies their supremacy. Max Verstappen has shown utter dominance this season where he triumphed in 10 of 12 races this year. He currently leads the driver standings with a commanding 314 points, surpassing Mercedes’ total.

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In contrast, Mercedes finds itself embroiled in a fierce battle for second place with Ferrari and Aston Martin. Red Bull’s era has posed challenges, evidenced by Mercedes’ solitary win in the past 18 months – a victory by George Russell at the Brazilian GP last year. Hamilton’s two-year win drought underscores the shift in dynamics.

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The new regulations took shape last year, with no major changes planned until 2026. Reflecting on this while speaking to Channel 4 Hamilton said, “We shouldn’t have the chance to dominate for a large number of years, the battle for the top positions should be closer.” He recognizes that Red Bull’s current form is likely to stretch until the end of the current era stating,  “Unfortunately, however, Red Bull could seriously dominate even in the next three seasons.”

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Lewis Hamilton dishes out irony that a single team’s dominance is ‘not the best thing for the fans’

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen (Credits: Planet F1)

The irony of the seven-time champion’s statements is vivid. Hamilton’s Mercedes reign forms the longest dominant era in recent F1 history. The team has won seven driver titles and eight constructor titles in the Turbo Hybrid era, since 2014. Hamilton himself has won six of his seven titles during this period. Yet, he now advocates against extended dominance, advocating for more unpredictability and competition at the top.

Hamilton reflects his desire for a dynamic sport where multiple contenders vie for supremacy. The Briton said, “If we continue like this, maybe Ferrari will dominate in the next few years, or maybe McLaren will, or maybe Mercedes will get back in front.” He acknowledged the one-sided affairs might dull the excitement saying, “But I think this is not the best thing for the fans.”

Hamilton, currently engaged in contract negotiations, finds himself embroiled in a duel for third place with Fernando Alonso. As Red Bull’s domination persists and Mercedes seeks to reclaim its lost glory, the discourse around F1’s competitive landscape deepens. The German team will be hoping to end Red Bull’s winning streak post the summer break. 

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