Max Verstappen has had the most success in a single season of any driver in Grand Prix history.
With an impressive list of records already, the three-time winner never stops pushing the envelope.
The record for most wins in a single season was set by Alberto Ascari’s 1952 campaign. In 1952, the Italian driver secured his first of two world drivers championships by winning six out of eight grand prix, indicating a 75% strike rate.
Though the number of races held each season has grown over time, before this week, no driver had been able to equal that impressive feat.
Verstappen will finish the season having won at least 77.27 percent of the races due to his 17th victory in the 22 races this season. He will raise the bar to 86.36 percent if he can win the next two.
For the benefit of all of us, let’s hope it never breaks.
Still, Verstappen had to earn his 17th victory, just like he has in previous weeks. Red Bull Racing has been concentrating on 2024 for a while now, and as a result, the pursuing teams have nearly caught up, making for some extremely exciting moments.
Lance Norris was the man to take the Dutchman on in the form of his life in a car that seemed to perform well everywhere.
He was right behind Verstappen at the restart after a brilliant start that made up for his disastrous Friday qualifying. On lap eight, he even outperformed the front-running car to take first place.
Nevertheless, Verstappen was able to hold McLaren at a comfortable distance for the remainder of the race, with the difference ending at just over eight seconds. The McLaren’s tyre-wear Achilles heal meant he was only good for one challenge.
It’s quite encouraging for McLaren. Throughout the second half of the season, Red Bull Racing’s trajectory has been consistent among all the leaders. Although Mercedes, Aston Martin, and Ferrari experience ups and downs, the papaya cars consistently make it to the podium.
It bodes well for the upcoming season. And there’s always the possibility that the season will take a turn for the better with Las Vegas coming up next.#
Not that it will be sufficient to strip Verstappen of his record-breaking dominance.
RICCIARDO’S CURSE OF BRAZIL ARRIVES AGAIN
On the other side of the field, Daniel Ricciardo’s curse from Brazil persisted fiercely, as the legendary circuit discovered fresh and inventive methods to frustrate the Australian.
Interlagos is without a doubt Ricciardo’s worst song.
There aren’t many races on the schedule where he hasn’t finished on the podium, and this one is the one that he hasn’t failed to finish more than occasions.
His average finishing position in Sao Paulo is now 10.1, which is his lowest ranking among tracks he has raced at four or more times. He was ranked 13th in this year’s event.
The issue arose on the first lap when Ricciardo’s rear wing was struck by a loose tire carcass that was flung high into the air by the chaos of the opening lap.
In what seemed to be a rare bit of good luck, he pitted at the end of the first lap when the safety car grabbed the lead. On lap two, the red flag provided his mechanics enough time to get him back into the race following repairs.
However, as is usually the case with Ricciardo, those events all lined up.
He yelled over team radio, “I could and explain how f***ing sh*t these rules are, but we all know it.” I apologize to you two. You performed a fantastic job fixing the vehicle.
We also, I believe, had a good bit of pace. It’s really annoying.
We’ll score some points in the next one, I’m not sure how I’m managing to remain composed right now. I’m grateful, gentlemen. It’s beyond your control, I know that.
