A Dutch media outlet has hinted at a shift within the passionate Orange Army as Max Verstappen continues his dominant streak in Formula 1. Verstappen’s triumphs in the 2023 F1 season have reached unprecedented heights, clinching his third consecutive World Championship title with an exceptional 17 victories out of 20 races. This achievement surpasses his own 2022 record, setting a new standard with a streak of 10 consecutive wins. Despite the accolades, Dutch newspaper De Limburger cautions against an evolving sentiment within Verstappen’s local supporters. While pundits applaud Verstappen’s prowess and Red Bull’s supremacy, there’s a faction that believes this one-driver showcase might not be beneficial for F1’s overall vitality.
As an esteemed figure in the Netherlands, Verstappen garners substantial support from the Orange Army, filling European race venues to rally behind him. However, De Limburger suggests that the novelty of Verstappen’s F1 dominance might be fading, even among his most devoted fans.
“The fact that even Max Verstappen’s most ardent fans are showing signs of saturation is a sign of the writing on the wall,” asserts the outlet.
Verstappen, faced with boos after the United States Grand Prix, has been vocal about those wishing for his defeat. Following Red Bull’s sole loss in the 2023 F1 season in Singapore, he remarked, “To me, it was just a clear defeat. I don’t ponder over what’s best for Formula 1. I don’t see it as necessarily detrimental because we were simply superior. And if people can’t recognize that, then they might not be true fans.”
With just two races left in the 2023 F1 season, Verstappen stands as the favorite with 19 wins. However, the debut of the Las Vegas Grand Prix introduces an element of unpredictability to the competition.
