F1’s Max Verstappen Breaks NASCAR Stars’ 55-Year-Long Streak as He Claims Coveted Richard Petty Title

Reigning Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen is a record-breaker. The Dutch juggernaut has sprung into his life in the past few seasons, culminating in 3 world championships for him. Surprisingly, his record-breaking attribute isn’t limited to the discipline of F1; it has transcended into the domain of NASCAR as well. The 26-year-old has just been crowned the NMPA Driver of the Year for 2023.

NMPA honors drivers annually based on their achievements and stories in the most recently concluded season. While there were some strong contenders in the NASCAR Cup Series this year, it is surprising that the National Motorsports Press Association has chosen an F1 driver instead. With this win, Max Verstappen has also ended a 55-year-long record.

This is the first time an F1 driver has won the award

“I haven’t skied in five years because of the risk of breaking or twisting something with all the consequences that entails. And, of course, also in the knowledge that there are still years to come in which I have a great chance to become champion again and win races.” 

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Speaking about his opinion of the same, Max Verstappen affirms that, considering he’ll possibly lose his chance to compete for more titles, he is okay with it. “If you think about that, you automatically take fewer risks. Cycling is also dangerous. When I go cycling, I at least put on a helmet.” The cautious approach by Red Bull makes sense. Protecting a three-time reigning champion on his way to becoming an all-time great in the sport could have never made more sense.