Max Verstappen’s “Crime Thriller” Against Lewis Hamilton Weighed Up Against Feel-Good Sebastian Vettel Championship by Red Bull Maestro

Max Verstappen taking successive title wins has brought a nostalgic flavor of Sebastian Vettel’s dominance from 2010 to 2013. Although speaking about whose dominance was better is a completely subjective topic to debate upon. Similarly, which title campaign of Sebastian Vettel or Max Verstappen can be rated higher in Red Bull’s collection of 6, depends on multiple factors. Yet, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has weighed up these titles of the two champs of Milton Keynes.

Helmut Marko has mostly rated Verstappen as one of the best drivers he ever worked with. Though being an integral part of the Red Bull setup, Marko still knew how good Vettel was back in the day. So, he knows how different and tougher the competition the German had in his 4 successive titles.

In an interview with Auto Motor und Sport, Marko spoke about where does Verstappen’s 2021 and 2022 titles rank relative to Vettel’s immense success. He stated, “The first title in 2010 was certainly the most exciting in the sense that it was decided in the last race and there were three candidates to choose from.”

“And because it was the first for us [Red Bull] and [Sebastian] Vettel, it deserves a special place emotionally. The 2021 championship, won against [Lewis] Hamilton in a true crime thriller, was the toughest in terms of mental stress.” [translated via Google]

The Austrian clearly puts up Vettel’s 2010 title as the most special, considering its feel-good value. Plus, in 2010 there were about 4 to 5 contenders for the title until the business end of the season. So, Verstappen’s 2021 fight against Lewis Hamilton may fall short on the 2010 scale.

Read More: Golden Boy Max Verstappen Labelled Less “Complete” in the Shadow of Red Bull F1 Predecessor Sebastian Vettel

Nonetheless, Verstappen has shown similar signs of how he snatched a close maiden title win like Vettel. Since then, his 2022 dominance has an uncanny resemblance to Vettel’s 2011 and 2013 title successes.

Is Max Verstappen emulating the title streak of Sebastian Vettel or someone else?

While Max would love to repeat Vettel’s 4 consecutive titles, the Dutch Lion will expect to extend the run further. He is halfway there on Seb’s feat with 2 in the bag already. But the fear would be if he fails to sustain his streak as some past champions did.

The first comparison that comes to mind is Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard was a similar dynamic young racer who took successive titles, ending the reign of a 7-time world champion, Michael Schumacher. Ever since Alonso is yet to win a 3rd title. So, certainly, Verstappen would not want to have Fernando’s trajectory.

Besides Alonso, the manner in which Verstappen is driving, we might say he keeps his streak going beyond Vettel’s record too. It’s possible that Max may win more than 4 or 5 championships until the end of his current contract in 2028. The combination of Red Bull’s technical prowess and Max’s elite abilities is tough to beat.

Could he put on a dominant streak as Michael Schumacher or Lewis Hamilton? Based on the 2022 season benchmark, only a few might bet against that. Yet, it won’t be as straightforward as RBR has got the budget cap penalty and the 2026 engine regulations to tackle as well.

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Verstappen’s short-term focus will be to continue his dominant streak in 2023. The question is, will his supremacy be challenged by any rival? Let us know who you think will challenge Max Verstappen in the coming years.