Ayrton Senna’s Beast Takes a Bow as Max Verstappen Puts 35-Year-Old Record to Shame

Putting records to shame. That’s what Max Verstappen and Red Bull have done in 2023. Together, they weaved this record-breaking, one-of-a-kind season that everyone in the Formula 1 community will come to appreciate sooner or later. Yes, the championships may have been decided as soon as testing started this season. But who saw the domination that followed coming? 21 wins in 22 races—Red Bull practically annihilated the field. So, to cap off this unbelievable season, what was one more record to its name at the Abu Dhabi GP?

Verstappen and Red Bull haven’t put a step wrong in 2023. Well, apart from at the Singapore GP. Considering how remarkable 2023 has been for the Milton-Keynes team, there aren’t many other seasons that have come close to this kind of dominance. One of those seasons is what the reigning champions put to shame.

Another day, another few records for Max Verstappen and Red Bull

A beast. That’s what the RB19 has been this season. Going into the summer break, Red Bull had won every race, becoming the first constructor in history to do so. Back in 2013, with Red Bull’s RB9, Vettel won every race in the second half of the season. While that season was dominated by the Bulls, it wasn’t like other teams didn’t win more than one race. That’s happened only once before, and that was in 1988—courtesy of McLaren’s MP4/4.

With Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost behind the wheel, the 1988 season was one of the most dominant seasons, and the MP4/4 became one of the most dominant machines. It won 15 of 16 races that season, making it a win percentage of a staggering 93.8%. It was a 35-year-old record. When Red Bull broke McLaren’s 35-year-old record of winning 11 consecutive races with its 14, who knew that wouldn’t be the last of it?

Courtesy of Max Verstappen’s 19th win of 2023 (another record), Red Bull secured all but one win this season. The Milton-Keynes squad’s win percentage? 95.45%. That’s another seemingly unbreakable record that Red Bull has cemented its name in. As much as it was a team effort, there’s no denying that Verstappen was the driving force behind it. With his 19th win, he put another record to shame, this one from 71 years ago. 

Read More: Max Verstappen & Co. Bag Prestigious Crown at Abu Dhabi GP Despite McLaren’s Record-Breaking Feat

Alberto Ascari won 6 of 8 races in 1952—a win percentage of 75%. Verstappen’s 19 of 22 wins has taken him to a whopping 86%. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The Dutchman broke numerous other records this season, so much so that he believes replicating this season might be out of reach.

“Another season like this” may be a stretch, even for Max Verstappen

To put into perspective just how much the three-time champion has achieved this season, here are a few of the records he’s broken: most wins in a season (19). Most consecutive wins in a season (10). Most podiums in a season (21). Biggest points-winning margin in a season (290). Most points in a season (575). Oh, and he’s also become the first driver in history to lead 1000 laps in a single season. Talk about running away with the title. 

Needless to say, the RB19 was one of a kind, and replicating its dominance might be extremely tough. At least, that’s what Max Verstappen feels. In his post-race interview, he said, “It was an incredible season. It was a bit emotional on the in-lap. It was the last time I was sitting in the car, which has given me a lot. Of course, very proud. I have to say a big thank you to everyone at Red Bull. It’s just been an incredible year. It’ll be hard to do something similar again, but we definitely enjoyed this year.”

Which Max Verstappen and Red Bull record were you most impressed by in 2023?

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