As Max Verstappen crossed the finish line at the Dutch Grand Prix on Sunday, he edged closer to making Formula One history.
Verstappen’s triumphant performance in the Netherlands marked his eleventh win for the season, and his ninth successive victory, matching Sebastian Vettel’s record for consecutive F1 wins established during Vettel’s 2013 championship season with Red Bull.
For Verstappen, the thrill of racing on home soil cannot be understated. The very singing of the national anthem had given him “goosebumps,” a testament to his deep connection to the home fans, although this emotional connection didn’t deter his determination on the track, even as adverse weather conditions loomed.
Rain early on saw Red Bull’s Sergio Perez switch to wet tyres, momentarily outpacing Verstappen. However, the 25-year-old Verstappen soon reclaimed his dominance by making a swift tyre change and showcasing his supremacy against Perez and the rest.
Perez’s race saw further setbacks, allowing Fernando Alonso and Pierre Gasly to overtake him for podium positions.
Alonso’s skill was particularly noteworthy. Starting fifth, he managed to outperform most – barring Verstappen – and achieved his 105th career podium. His spectacular overtake of Lando Norris on the race’s second lap was a highlight.
The Zandvoort crowd, unfazed by the rain, showed unwavering support for their local hero. Verstappen was deeply appreciative of the “incredible” atmosphere, acknowledging the race’s challenges and expressing immense joy in clinching the win in front of his compatriots.
When quizzed about nearing an F1 milestone and the potential for a tenth straight win at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix in Monza, Verstappen kept his response succinct: “I’ll think about it next week. Right now, I just want to savour this moment.”
It’s evident that Verstappen flourishes when the stakes are high. Since F1’s return to the Netherlands in 2021 after a 34-year gap, he has secured victory in all three Dutch Grand Prix events.
Red Bull’s team principal, Christian Horner, was more open in praising Verstappen and the team’s accomplishments, stating, “To secure nine consecutive wins is phenomenal. Achieving this with another driver within the same team is something none of us had anticipated.”
Now, with 46 career wins, Verstappen sits fifth in the all-time records. He’s poised to potentially surpass both Alain Prost and Vettel this season, which would mean only Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher would remain ahead of him by the year’s end.
Furthermore, Verstappen’s personal record of 15 wins in a season, set during his victorious run the previous year, is now in jeopardy, given his undeniable prowess on the racetrack.
In the grand theatre of Formula One, Verstappen is swiftly etching his name among the greats. His remarkable consistency, matched with an unwavering spirit, speaks to a driver at the pinnacle of his prowess. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Dutch sensation, as fans and experts alike wonder just how much further he can push the envelope, with records toppling in his wake.
