Max Verstappen — 2023 season

Max Verstappen's 2023 Formula 1 season was an unprecedented display of dominance, setting new benchmarks for wins and points in the ground-effect era with the Red Bull Racing RB19.

Going in

Following a commanding 2022 season, expectations for Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen were high, particularly with the stability of the ground-effect regulations. The RB19, designed by Adrian Newey's team, was anticipated to be a strong contender, but the extent of its advantage, coupled with Verstappen's driving, was yet to be fully revealed. The technical regulations, emphasizing tunnel-floor aerodynamics and 18-inch wheels, had settled, allowing teams to refine their concepts. Verstappen arrived in 2023 as the reigning champion, aiming to solidify his position at the pinnacle of the sport.

How it played out

The 2023 season unfolded as a masterclass in consistent performance from Verstappen. He claimed 19 victories out of 22 Grands Prix, a record for a single F1 season, accumulating an astounding 575 points. His podium tally reached 21, meaning he finished in the top three in all but one race. The lone exception was the Singapore Grand Prix, where he finished fifth. This consistency was underpinned by zero retirements throughout the entire season, a testament to both driver and machine reliability.

Verstappen's championship lead began in Bahrain with a pole position and victory, and despite a second-place finish from 15th on the grid in Saudi Arabia, he quickly established a rhythm. A notable period included a streak of ten consecutive Grand Prix wins, from Miami to Monza, a feat that underscored the RB19's adaptability across diverse circuits and Verstappen's ability to extract its maximum potential. While his teammate, Sergio Pérez, secured two early-season victories, Verstappen's sustained performance quickly widened the gap, securing the Drivers' Championship at the Qatar Grand Prix Sprint race with six rounds still remaining. This early championship conclusion highlighted the sheer scale of his advantage over the field. For context on how challenging it can be to consistently extract performance, one might look at the varying fortunes of drivers like Alexander Albon — 2023 season in a different machinery.

Defining moments

Several races illuminated Verstappen’s season. The Miami Grand Prix stood out, where he started ninth due to a qualifying error but systematically carved his way through the field to claim victory, overtaking Pérez in the process. His drive at the Belgian Grand Prix, starting sixth due to a gearbox penalty, demonstrated his raw pace and ability to manage races from challenging grid positions. The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, his home race, saw him manage changing weather conditions and a red flag restart to secure a popular victory, extending his winning streak. Even in races where the car faced challenges, such as the Singapore Grand Prix, Verstappen demonstrated recovery, moving from an 11th-place start to finish fifth, limiting the damage on a weekend where Red Bull's package struggled. This season's performance is well-documented on the .