Max Verstappen claimed his first ever F1 title last weekend, after winning his second consecutive Abu Dhabi GP victory. It was a winners take all scenario at the Yas Marina Circuit, as both, Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton entered being level on points for the final race of the season.
British columnist and former F1 driver, Joylon Palmer believes that Max Verstappen could go from strength to strength after his maiden championship triumph. Palmer drew a comparison with Sebastian Vettel’s win in Abu Dhabi in 2010, as Red Bull and Vettel started a new era of dominance, winning four consecutive drivers championship titles.
“You wonder where he can go from here now that he has his first title under his belt,” Palmer wrote in his Formula1.com column.
“It’s worth remembering that when Sebastian Vettel took victory for Red Bull in Abu Dhabi in 2010, to become the youngest ever World Champion, it was the start of a run four titles in succession for the German,” he added.
“Red Bull have been rejuvenated this season and are absolutely at one with their driver, giving him their full backing when questions were asked, and deploying every possible tactic to maximise the Dutchman’s efforts, as showcased by Sergio Perez’s heroics on the weekend as well,” Palmer continued
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Inevitable that Max Verstappen would win the title some day: Palmer
Joylon Palmer believes that it was inevitable that Max Verstappen would win the championship at one time or the other, if not this year. However, with him winning the championship this season, it takes a load of pressure off his shoulders, and do his confidence a whole world of good.
“Had Verstappen not won this year, with his immense talent and determination, it would be inevitable his day would come at some point. But with him winning now, you wonder what confidence he can take from it and where he can go,” Palmer added.
The former F1 driver believes that Verstappen’s victory could start a new era of dominance. He pointed out to the fact that the Dutchman had demolished all his three teammates at Red Bull so far.
“For a driver who has demolished three successive teammates in three years and made only a handful of small mistakes in that time, you question what scope their even is for improvement – but if he can take his game onto another level from here, we could be about to see the start of a new era of dominance,” he added.
