And if Red Bull broke McLaren’s record from 1988?
In 1988, McLaren won 15 out of 16 races in the World Championship. And 35 years later, Red Bull seems to have the same momentum by winning all the Grand Prix at the beginning of the season. To beat the Austrian team, Christian Horner's team will have to win 21 times this year.
We thought this record was unbeatable. In 1988, the duo Ayrton Senna – Alain Prost were untouchable. Behind the wheel of the McLaren MP4/4, the Frenchman and the Brazilian left only crumbs for their opponents. They won 15 out of the 16 races in the championship.
The symbolic barrier of 100% could have been reached if Ayrton Senna had not been involved in a collision in Italy. During this season, which saw the Brazilian win his first world championship title, Ron Dennis’ team won 93.75% of the Grand Prix.
This record could be beaten 35 years later. Red Bull dominates the beginning of the world championship. Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have won all the races so far. That’s eight Grand Prix. The Dutchman alone has six victories and doesn’t seem ready to give up his first place to anyone.
21 races out of 22 for the record
Behind him, Fernando Alonso, the Mercedes and Ferrari teams don’t currently have the pace to beat the double world champion in a fair fight. Only a reliability issue could stop him. Sergio Perez would then be able to continue Red Bull’s incredible streak, but for that, the Mexican driver needs to step up his game. Since Monaco, the number 11 driver has been struggling. He is far from meeting expectations and being in the top positions.
If the Austrian team wants to inscribe its name in the record book, it will have to, at minimum, win 21 out of the 22 races on the calendar. And in doing so, it would erase McLaren from the records. Who’s taking bets?
