The Potential Impact of Max Verstappen’s F1 Dominance on the Sport’s Appeal

Former Renault Formula 1 team principal: ”The ease with which (Verstappen) overtakes is because the other drivers don’t even fight him. They know they can’t race him.”

The unparalleled dominance exhibited by Red Bull and Max Verstappen in the 2023 Formula 1 season stands as an unprecedented achievement, eclipsing even the remarkable five-season championship streak by Michael Schumacher at Ferrari from 2000 to 2004, according to insights shared by a former team boss.

“Ferrari’s dominance was at a time when F1 was much less competitive than it is now,” former Renault team principal Cyril Abiteboul told French media outlet Franceinfo. “Ferrari dominated with budgets and a structure that had nothing to do with the other teams.”Sure, Red Bull is a prestigious team that is very well organized and financed, but it is not the only one. Yet they dominate in an environment where others are not weak,” the Frenchman added.

The statistical comparison undeniably supports the argument. Michael Schumacher’s impressive five-year streak included 48 wins out of 85 races, boasting a winning percentage of .564. In contrast, Max Verstappen’s three-year run has seen him triumph in 44 out of 66 races, boasting an even more remarkable winning percentage of .667. Furthermore, Verstappen’s podium finishes have been nothing short of extraordinary, with 56 podium appearances in 66 races, marking an outstanding .848 rate.

With the 26-year-old Verstappen’s continued success, there is a compelling possibility that he could challenge to become Formula 1’s all-time wins leader before reaching the age of 30. Currently holding 54 wins, he is 49 victories away from Lewis Hamilton’s record of 103.

Renault’s former team boss, Abiteboul, emphasizes the exceptional nature of Verstappen’s achievements, particularly his triumphs at the end of the 2021 regulations cycle and the subsequent two dominant title victories in 2022 and 2023.

“When there is a change in regulations, we can have a team which has worked particularly well and found a trick,” said Abiteboul, 46. “But here in 2023, the regulations were already known. So the other teams should have become more competitive.”

According to Abiteboul, a key factor contributing to Red Bull’s unparalleled success is the stability of personnel at the highest echelons of the team. The steadfast leadership of individuals such as team principal Christian Horner, engineering maestro Adrian Newey, and even sporting boss Jonathan Wheatley has provided a consistent and reliable foundation for Red Bull’s achievements.

“They know each other by heart,” Abiteboul says. “And they are formidable,” he added, even though he had a fractious relationship with Red Bull at times during its Renault-powered era.”

Abiteboul highlights that the undeniable linchpin of Red Bull’s complete dominance in 2023 was the Dutch driver, Verstappen. Verstappen’s exceptional performance was so impactful that it even raised questions about Sergio Perez’s position as his teammate, given Verstappen managed to accumulate double the points of Perez during the season.

“Max is exceptional,” he says. “But Perez is far from being a rookie or a junior. He did his best, but he suffered from the fact that Max has a very special way of driving, with a car with a very light rear axle.

“There is no doubt that it’s Max Verstappen’s car—designed for him. He is pampered in this team. Very good drivers like Pierre Gasly and Alexander Albon were also his teammates and also did not succeed in driving that car. He (Max) has psychological influence and such a great car. But the ease with which he overtakes is because the other drivers don’t even fight him. They know they can’t race him. So rather than wearing out their tires to hold him back, they just let him pass.”

Despite Verstappen’s overwhelming dominance and reports of a 20% decrease in TV audience in the German market, Abiteboul issues a cautionary note, suggesting that the continued supremacy of Verstappen could potentially have adverse effects on Formula 1 in the long run.

“It’s a championship that has remarkable commercial dynamics, because it brings new things every year like Las Vegas,” he said. “There are many other interests than first place in the drivers’ championship.

“If this situation were to drag on for too long, it would pose problems, but I would be surprised if the dominance we have seen this season continues into next season. By the time of the next rule change in 2026, Red Bull will face more competition.”