Max Verstappen juxtaposes his dominant 2023 and controversial 2021 championship victories

Max Verstappen has won 39 out of the 60 races since the start of 2021.

Max Verstappen juxtaposes his dominant 2023 and controversial 2021 championship victories

Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen surprisingly won his third championship. He did it by winning the 2023 Qatar GP Sprint due to Sergio Perez’s retirement. This marked his third championship, leading to comparisons with his controversial 2021 victory.

While celebrating his 2023 championship, Verstappen can’t help but reflect on the controversy of his 2021 win. When he fiercely competed with Lewis Hamilton. In a conversation with Total Motorsport, he draws comparisons and differences between these championship wins.

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The champion said, “I think it’s more about when you look at the performance of the years. Because in 2021, people always talk about the last race. But I think a championship is won over the whole season, right?” He points out that the 2021 and 2022 titles were won in confusing circumstances, with last-minute twists and turns.

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Verstappen emphasized that such specifics don’t hold much weight for him. He is focused on his overall performance, analyzing races, and considering his preparation, on-track decisions, and off-track actions. He mentions that it has been the same all through his career. The Belgian-Dutch said, “That’s why I think this year is performance-wise, definitely the best one. While the first one has been the most emotional, the middle one is now… The middle one.”

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Max Verstappen claims he doesn’t care if he has no competition

The 2023 season has been nothing short of spectacular for Verstappen and Red Bull, with 14 wins out of 17 races. A key element of this remarkable season is Verstappen’s record-breaking run, with 10 consecutive wins, overtaking the previous record held by Sebastian Vettel for nearly a decade. His closest rival, teammate, Sergio Perez has been miles off of his pace and Verstappen had the title easy for the picking. 

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

While manifesting the title, Verstappen remains unfazed by the lack of competition in 2023. “For F1, you would like to see more competition,” he admits while saying, “I don’t need any other team or teammate to get the best out of myself.” His self-imposed pressure and commitment to personal excellence continue to be the driving forces.

The comparison draws attention to the evolution of Verstappen’s championship journey. Each championship weaves into the fabric of his F1 legacy, contributing distinct hues to the portrait of a seasoned champion.

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