“A Verstappen From Another Planet”

Verstappen, since last Sunday, two-time world champion in Formula 1. The first title was achieved in Abu Dhabi 2021, on the last lap of the last race against the most successful driver of the century, Hamilton, and the most lucrative car of all time, Mercedes. This second coronation, at Suzuka and before the chiefs who invented the Honda power unit, was much less emotional and more predictable. The Dutchman knew the accounts were worth him on the podium, thanks to the penalty against Leclerc and the full distribution of points; He is judged by four races that still have to be played: the United States, Mexico, Brazil and Abu Dhabi.

“To do that with four races to go requires incredible performance. Max has been on another planet this year, he has dominated the championship with maturity and conviction. The controversy in the last race of 2021, after a giant battle, and being able to win the constructors’ championship after another team won it for the past eight years… I hope we can make it happen.” Christian Horner, The Red Bull coach, facing the most dominant season his team has witnessed since the days of Vettel Webber, more than ten years ago.

The British leader admits that supremacy removes the drama: “The title is a nickname, but the pressure here was a lot less than it is in Abu Dhabi. It means the same thing though. Max became world champion last year and defended it in a dominant fashion. You have reached another level this year. He’s at the peak of his fitness, he drives at the highest level and the organization is phenomenal. We’re going to enjoy the moment but now we’re heading towards the constructors’ championship and a runner-up spot at Checo.” It’s not hard for them, and it’s enough for them not to give up more than 18 points in relation to Ferrari in Austin to secure the manufacturers title sportingly.

“Max Verstappen has been impressive this year after two tough races to start the season. The team has recovered and their way of driving and controlling the season has been amazing. And that win, once again, is a dominant race on his part. 26 seconds over Charles at 29 laps…a huge performance. Checo also finished second,” Horner concludes on the Japanese GP at Suzuka. The Dutchman has won 12 of the 18 races this season and two more have gone to Perez: Monaco and Singapore. Ferrari won the other four (three from Leclerc and one from Sainz). No There is a color in. Well, yes: orange.