The best is him. Exit Michael Schumacher (2004) and Sebastian Vettel (2013), make way for Max Verstappen. Already assured of his second title of world champion, the Dutchman of only 25 years old won this Sunday in Mexico a 14th Grand Prix in 2022, a record of success during the same Formula 1 season.
Starting from pole position, the Red Bull driver was well ahead of the Briton Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) and the local of the stage, the other Red Bull of the Mexican Sergio Pérez, for the 20th round out of 22 on the Rodriguez Brothers circuit. “14 victories, it’s incredible! “savored the double champion, unstoppable, who finished 15 seconds ahead of his rival last year. “Max, congratulations, it’s a new record! savored its director, Christian Horner.
Max Verstappen also adds a new record to his (already) prolific career: youngest driver to start a GP (17 years, 5 months and 15 days in 2015), youngest winner of a Grand Prix (8 years, 7 months and 15 days in Spain, 2016), youngest driver to set a fastest lap, youngest driver to finish on a podium, youngest driver to score a point, youngest driver to lead a race . He signed his 34th victory in Mexico. At 25, he is the 6th most prolific driver in F1 history and has his sights set on Brazilian legend Ayrton Senna and his 41 successes.
This new performance could soon be improved. There are indeed two events left (São Paulo, Brazil, November 13; Abu Dhabi, November 20) before completing the current year. The superiority of Red Bull is such that few opponents can claim to beat the Dutch prodigy. Titled among the constructors last Sunday in Austin, the Austrian firm has been unbeatable for nine races (last defeat on July 10 in Austria (Leclerc). Red Bull has won 16 of the 20 races contested, including the two of Sergio Pérez (Monaco and Singapore ).
In the percentage of victories on the other hand, “Schumi” remains in the lead for the moment with 13 victories out of 18 races. It will therefore be necessary to do the accounts at the end of the season to see who “really” holds the record. With the Ferraris of Leclerc and Sainz having been inside for a few races, Verstappen’s biggest rival at the moment is Lewis Hamilton, 2nd this Sunday. The Briton has only two races left to save the honor, win a 104th victory and glean another famous record: winning at least once in 16 consecutive years. An end to the championship which can recall that of last year.