How Max Verstappen’s Dominance Will Continue Through the Last Four Races

It is no surprise that three-time world champion, Max Verstappen has cemented a legacy and has become the forefront of contemporary conversation. It is undeniable that Verstappen has cemented his position as one of Formula One's leading racers, primarily due to the fearless and impeccable driving style that has made him a world-renowned driver.

It is important to understand, however, that the last four races of the season require much more than talent alone.

While the competition is becoming fiercer and the development race is becoming much closer it will require Verstappen’s experience with the well-renowned tracks as well as the new, with the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Let’s break down if the young Dutchman can win in the last four races of the Formula 1 2023 Calendar.

Mexico

Verstappen is not shy of achieving success around The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, winning four times, it is best to bet on Max achieving a fifth win with how dominant the RB19 is in 2023.

However, with the upgrades Mercedes has bought to their car, the seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton should not be counted out to spoil Red Bull’s dominance. Hamilton has achieved success around Mexico claiming two race wins in 2016 and 2019.

Compared to Mercedes, Red Bull’s performance this season has shown that the RB19 is extremely fast in a straight line and in high-speed corners which Mexico does possess.

So, it’s safe to assume that Red Bull and Verstappen can achieve success around The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Brazil

Brazil has created highs and lows for Verstappen, achieving only one race win in 2019, creating a lot of highlights. Starting in pole position and fighting Hamilton for the win, Red Bull achieved the fastest-ever pit stop in 1.9 seconds.

But for Mercedes, Red Bull had the strategical advantage by pitting Max for the softer tyres near the end of the race and reclaiming the race lead immediately after the Safety Car restart.

The biggest low point was in 2018 as Esteban Ocon attempted to unlap himself by overtaking the race leader, Max Verstappen and both collided in Turn 2. Although the Red Bull hasn’t looked strong this season in low-speed corners and 2022 Verstappen could only achieve sixth in the race.

If Red Bull wants to achieve success around The Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, they would need to explore their weaknesses from previous races in Sao Paulo.

Las Vegas

Formula 1 will return around the streets of Las Vegas and for all the drivers a new challenge awaits. The Las Vegas Grand Prix has been staged twice in the past - in 1981 and 1982, under the name Caesars Palace Grand Prix.

As it winds past iconic locations like Caesars Palace, the Bellagio, and the Venetian, the new 6.2km, 17-turn street circuit is in the heart of Las Vegas.

There will be plenty of overtaking and action at this race, as the average speed is expected to be the same as that at Monza, also known as the Temple of Speed in Formula 1.

For Max Verstappen, achieving success around the City of Lights becomes enticing as Red Bull’s main strength lies in straight-line speed and high-speed corners. A perfect combination from the car to the track for Max to take the chequered flag.

Abu Dhabi

The Yas Marina circuit has hosted so many twists and turns, mainly the championship deciders in 2010, 2014, 2016 and especially 2021 with the epic showdown between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

A slight shortening of the lap to 5.28 kilometres as part of the preparations for the 2021 event has only served to heighten anticipation and has shown some amazing overtakes over the past two races.

It is also worth mentioning that the tricky run through Turns 10 and 11 into 12 is a key part of the track, with the drivers having to brake very hard carrying excessive loads from the lateral G-Forces.

And while the track has been dominated by Red Bull and Mercedes ever since 2009, The new track developments have favoured the three-time world champion.

Red Bull’s success in Abu Dhabi has mainly come from their sheer speed and strategic pit stops which gifted Max Verstappen his first-ever world championship in 2021.

Even though the Silver Arrows has won more grand prix’s around the Yas Marina Circuit, can their experience alone be enough to challenge the raging bulls?

Aaron Teasdale