Max Verstappen calls himself a ‘rookie’ in comparison with Lewis Hamilton despite scoring 50th Grand Prix win

Verstappen is now only one win short of becoming a driver with the fourth most Formula 1 wins.

Max Verstappen calls himself a ‘rookie’ in comparison with Lewis Hamilton despite scoring 50th Grand Prix win

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen won the United States Grand Prix on Sunday to become the fifth driver in F1 history to claim 50 wins. Verstappen now only lags behind Alain Prost, Sebastian Vettel, the great Michael Schumacher, and Lewis Hamilton regarding wins. The Dutchman is breaking records this season and has again joined an exclusive F1 club with the most F1 wins.

Verstappen started P6 in the race after his pole lap time was deleted by track limits violation on the Friday Qualifying. With a perfect two-stopper and no real competition, the three-time World Champion quickly rose the field. He passed Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc to take the lead in the race on lap 39 of 56. After his win, he talked about his achievements to the media.

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When asked about his feelings after winning 50 races in Formula One, Verstappen admitted that his numbers are still not comparable to Hamilton’s. He compared his 50 F1 wins with Hamilton’s 103. In his mind, he believes that these numbers are great, but he’d try to take more in the future.

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Still Rookie numbers in comparison to Lewis. I'm proud of it, but let's win some more.

Verstappen has already won this year’s Championship by a huge margin. And having broken most F1 records this season, he might now focus on setting up the benchmark for future drivers. Although it may seem unbeatable, who knows, Verstappen will break his records next year in 2024 if the energy drink brand still continues to dominate in F1 like this.

Max Verstappen brings light on his issues with brakes he suffered from the whole race of the US GP

After winning the exciting United States GP in Austin, the Champion Verstappen talked about the brake issue he suffered from during the race. According to the Dutchman, he never really struggles with the brakes in F1 races and calls this instance an unusual one. In his post-race interviews, he put that issue to the teams and everyone’s attention.

Max Verstappen (via Twitter / F1)

Verstappen’s brakes must’ve caused a drop in pace at the very end of the Grand Prix, due to which Hamilton, with medium tires, was able to catch up. 

The whole race, I was struggling a lot with the brakes. It was very close at the end, and also with the backmarkers, the tires were already fading away so it made it more difficult.
Verstappen told Sky Sports F1

Formula 1 now moves to Mexico, the home of Red Bull driver Sergio Perez, where Lewis Hamilton must outscore him to try to achieve the P2 spot in the Drivers’ Standings. According to rumors surrounding the paddock, Perez’s seat might be in danger if the Mexican fails to secure his P2. The Mexican GP returns this week at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

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