In numbers, Max Verstappen’s domination in 2023

He is the man to beat. In 2023, Max Verstappen has raised his level. Since his first title in 2021, the Dutchman has continued to increase his dominance in Formula 1. He confirms it in these first eight races of this season.

At the end of this first part of the year, the Red Bull driver has a 69-point lead over Sergio Perez, his closest rival in the standings. He has won six races, which is 75% of the Grand Prix. He has also been on the podium in every race.

In shape on Saturdays, during qualifications

Jos Verstappen’s son is already at five pole positions, out of eight races. He is only two fastest laps away in qualifying to equal his mark from the previous season. He is still far from his record, set in 2021, with 10 starts from the first place.

The reigning two-time world champion spends most of his time leading the race. He has led 358 out of 487 laps since the start of the season. Therefore, he has spent 73.51% of the time with the status of the leader.

The Dutch driver is now on a streak of 224 consecutive laps in front of the entire pack, following the Canadian Grand Prix. This achievement temporarily places him in fifth position for the most consecutive laps led. Only Nigel Mansell, Ayrton Senna (twice), and Albert Ascari have done better.

In front of Senna, but behind Clark

In Montreal, the Dutchman achieved his 41st victory in Formula 1. He has matched Ayrton Senna. However, Max Verstappen reached the same milestone much faster than the Brazilian. He accomplished it at only 25 years old, whereas Senna was 33. Nevertheless, Ayrton Senna’s ratio is better as the former McLaren driver achieved it in 158 races, compared to 171 for Max Verstappen.

During the Grand Prix of Spain, he achieved his third Grand Slam (pole position, fastest lap, victory and leading from start to finish). He is still far from the man at the top of the standings, Jim Clark, with eight achievements. However, he is already halfway to Lewis Hamilton’s record (6).