The ground effect regulations were introduced by the FIA in 2022. At that time, Max Verstappen was a young, exciting racer who had just won his maiden world title. However, no one expected him to dominate the racing circuit for the upcoming seasons. The Dutchman caused mayhem with his on-track performance, winning 34 races between 2022 and 23. Furthermore, he secured the world championship title in each of the last three seasons, dominating the field with no serious challengers.
The last season was a ‘unicorn year’ for him, as he won the most races in a season (19 of 22), rewriting the history books. Due to such unparalleled domination, F1 aficionados were confident that 2024 would be a replica of 2023. Subsequently, the season started on a similar note, as Verstappen was winning almost every race while others were mere spectators. However, the Red Bull chariot was suddenly hijacked, and now there is a twist in the story.
Can Norris Capture The World Title? Comparing The 2023 And 2024 Season For Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen is the top driver. With 277 points, he enjoys a healthy lead, making him the top contender for the world title. However, comparing his lead entering the summer breaks in previous seasons shows a drastic difference. In 2023, till the summer break, Verstappen was ahead by 125 points of Sergio Perez. He dominated the circuit, winning 10 out of 12 races. Earlier in 2022, the summer break was introduced following the thirteenth race in Hungary. He was again leading the championship with an 80-point lead over Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. However, if we go further behind, Max Verstappen was trailing by 8 points behind Lewis Hamilton in the 2021 championship.
The summer break of 2024 is currently active, and the RBR starlet is leading Lando Norris by 78 points. Although McLaren was a strong contender to challenge Red Bull’s dominance, Norris’s lack of experience has led to missed opportunities in several close battles. Moreover, the young British racer failed to take advantage of Verstappen’s grid penalty in Spa. Therefore, the scenario for Norris to overtake Verstappen is hypothetical and far from reality. Even if the Briton wins the next three races with extra points for the fastest lap and Verstappen DNF, he would still be behind the Dutchman. As a result, there’s a strong possibility that the Dutch national anthem will be heard at the end of this season.
Coulthard’s Outlook On Verstappen’s Aggressive Radio Chimes
David Coulthard emphasized that Max Verstappen has the most profound understanding of how to handle his car, given his extensive experience and insight. Coulthard noted that Verstappen is known for his direct and candid communication, which can sometimes be off-putting to some. However, he pointed out that Formula 1 demands transparent and honest expressions rather than polite talk.
Moreover, the former Red Bull driver also highlighted the distinction between the engineer’s and driver’s roles during a race. While the engineer can remain calm and detached, Verstappen must contend with the intense noise and dynamic conditions on the track. This context can significantly influence how Verstappen’s comments are perceived. Thus, it is important to consider the environment and pressure when evaluating his statements.
