Since the implementation of ground effect regulations in F1, Max Verstappen has maintained a virtual monopoly over the first-place position on the podium.
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has warned that, while Max Verstappen is the current dominant force in Formula 1, “all good things come to an end.”
In the past 23 races, Verstappen has emerged victorious in 21, establishing a remarkable record. Furthermore, he has set a new benchmark for the highest number of wins in a calendar year for two consecutive seasons – 15 triumphs in 2022 and 19 in the previous year. In the ongoing 2024 season, Verstappen has already secured first place on the podium four times out of five races.
Max Verstappen dominance warning: ‘It won’t last forever’
In Formula 1, different periods are defined by the dominance of certain drivers and teams. McLaren and Williams were the reigning powers in the 1980s and ’90s, while Ferrari and Michael Schumacher were unstoppable in the early 2000s. Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel then secured four consecutive title doubles, until Mercedes seized control during the turbo hybrid era.
Red Bull’s adoption of ground effect aerodynamics has propelled them back to the top, especially with Verstappen at the helm. Consequently, Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time World Champion and title contender for 2021, has gone without a victory in 50 consecutive races.
Steiner pointed out the contrast between Verstappen’s success and Hamilton’s recent lack of victories according to his usual standards. However, Steiner also expressed caution regarding the unpredictable nature of how these eras tend to come to an abrupt end.
“Red Bull and Max Verstappen are obviously doing a fantastic job right now. They are dominating,” Steiner wrote in a pre-Miami column for Formula1.com.
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Sergio Perez earns my utmost respect as a highly skilled driver, but currently, he falls short of reaching Max’s level. Max’s performance is simply out of this world.
He has already established himself as one of the greatest of his time, reminiscent of Lewis Hamilton’s dominance a few years back.
“When riding a wave like this, you possess unwavering confidence, find joy in life, and encounter no mishaps.”
However, every good thing eventually comes to a conclusion. It’s not a permanent state, as exemplified by Lewis’s current situation.
Toto Wolff’s interest in signing Max comes as no surprise. The possibility of Max departing from Red Bull is now being considered, despite his current successful position.
Formula 1 is gearing up for its next regulation overhaul in 2026, which will introduce new power units aimed at achieving a balanced 50/50 ratio of combustion and electric power in the hybrid engines. Additionally, there will be a transition to sustainable fuel as part of this transformation.
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