He might have retired from Formula 1, but the sport hasn’t forgotten him and never will. The legend of Sebastian Vettel lives on even a year after he announced his retirement. His unmatched record of 9 consecutive wins in a row for Red Bull in 2013 was one for the ages. However, the worthy Max Verstappen, with his robotic efficiency and perfection, is out to match that record at the Dutch GP today. The only one who can save Vettel and prevent the Dutchman from doing so is the man of the moment for McLaren–Lando Norris. And he already has his plans ready to do so.

Red Bull has a knack for spotting generational talents and elevating them to heights that no other racer has ever achieved. Sebastian Vettel was one such talent that the Milton Keynes outfit picked out from the crowd of drivers good enough to drive for them. And he repaid them in style, getting 4 consecutive world championships. Moreover, his record of 9 wins in a row in 2013 has, till today, remained unbroken. But then here comes Max Verstappen, who drives like the Sebastian Vettel of this generation.

Like many other races this year, Verstappen will start from Pole at Zandvoort. But this situation is the same as the British GP this year. Norris lines up with him on the front row. And in a bid to save Seb’s 10-year-old-record from being broken, he has revealed his plans of overtaking Verstappen right at the beginning of the race. “Turn 1 [take the fight to Max]. Try to replicate Silverstone and try to keep it a bit longer. If Max stays ahead, he will pull away.”

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Though this sounds like a sound game plan for leaving the 2x champion rotting behind him, it might hardly be possible. The 2nd half of his statements are proof of that. An added challenge to overcome for Norris would be trying to throw some imbalance in Verstappen’s mindset. But that is far from happening, says RB Boss Christian Horner.

Christian Horner lauds Max Verstappen for shutting out all the noise and being focused

A racer cannot simply become a multiple World Champion by having a great race-craft. Along with that, having thick skin and the mental ability to block out unnecessary pressure is highly necessary. And with his post-qualifying statements, Max Verstappen has proven that. “So if it’s (matching Vettel’s record) possible tomorrow, of course I go for it,” said the Dutchman. “But it’s not something I have in the back of my head constantly. I’m not in the sport to try and break records. I’m here to win in the moment.”

Along with all the commentary on breaking records, the added pressure of performing well for the home crowd can be double the trouble. But not for the 2x champ, claims Christian Horner. “In taxing conditions like this, there was a lot of debate around when to run, which tires, etc. And with the added pressure of a home race for Max, it’s hard not to feel the expectation of the crowd, the noise, and the hype, but the way Max manages that is truly remarkable.“

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Will the McLaren talisman, Lando Norris, be successful in his attempt to secure Sebastian Vettel’s historical record? Or will Max Verstappen continue to show why he is the reigning World Champion?