Max Verstappen demolishes two-decade-old Michael Schumacher record at the Japanese GP

Max Verstappen claimed pole position ahead of both the McLarens for the Singapore GP.

Max Verstappen demolishes two-decade-old Michael Schumacher record at the Japanese GP

Max Verstappen (Left) and Michael Schumacher in Benetton (Right) [Credits: IMAGO]

Max Verstappen‘s pole at the Japanese GP has not only screamed his dominance in the 2023 Formula 1 season but has also once again etched his name into the record books of motorsport history. The Dutchman obliterated a nearly two-decade-old record held by the legendary Michael Schumacher, marking a monumental achievement in his illustrious career.

Max Verstappen not only secured the coveted first starting position but did so with an astonishing 0.581-second lead over his nearest rival, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. Verstappen’s Suzuka pole margin eclipses Schumacher’s 2004 record, making it the second largest pole margin in Suzuka’s history. The largest podium margin record is still held by Schumacher who won the pole 2001 Japanese GP with a +0.700 gap to the then Williams driver Juan Pablo Montaya.

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The 2004 Japanese GP at Suzuka Circuit was a spectacle of dominance by Michael Schumacher. With the looming threat of Typhoon Ma-on, Saturday’s events were scrapped, giving way to a thrilling Sunday morning qualifying session. Schumacher claimed pole position, outshining his brother Ralf Schumacher by a remarkable 0.490 seconds. On race day, under the clear sky, Schumacher’s Ferrari led from the get-go, delivering a masterful performance and the race win.

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This outstanding performance by Verstappen and Red Bull was a stark contrast to their previous weekend’s struggles at the Singapore GP. The Japanese GP weekend witnessed a remarkable turnaround for the team, indicating they had regained their winning form. With Max at the helm, it appeared that nobody could challenge their dominance on this particular weekend.

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On the other, Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio Perez, found himself in a familiar position, starting from fifth on the grid. This has been a recurring theme throughout the season, with Verstappen consistently outpacing his teammate. Nevertheless, Perez showcased his racecraft by expertly slicing through the field, highlighting the exceptional race pace the RB19 had.

Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen (Credits: The Guardian)

Verstappen’s performance in 2023 parallels Schumacher’s legendary runs in Formula 1. With 12 wins out of the 15 races so far, he’s already shattered Sebastian Vettel’s consecutive wins record. Additionally, Verstappen’s incredible consistency has enabled him to match Schumacher’s record of scoring 15 successive podium finishes, a feat the Germans achieved in the unforgettable 2004 season.

In fact, Verstappen’s career has been characterized by breaking and nearing records set by Michael Schumacher. In 2022, he secured a remarkable 15 wins in a single season, surpassing Schumacher’s previous record 13. Verstappen also shattered the record for the most podium finishes in a season with 18 in 2021.

As the Japanese GP draws close, Verstappen now stands on the cusp of matching Schumacher’s record for the earliest championship clinch, needing 26 point lead over his teammate to achieve this historic feat. Red Bull and Max have bounced back after the Singapore GP hardships and can wrap the season up this weekend. 

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