Max Verstappen dominated the 2023 F1 season, with Red Bull winning 19 out of 22 races and comfortably securing the championship. Verstappen showcased his exceptional skills even in challenging conditions, such as the rain-affected Dutch GP at Zandvoort. His teammate trailed far behind in terms of points, highlighting Verstappen’s superiority on the track. The Dutch anthem became a regular occurrence, although some found the lack of competition boring.
Having previously broken Lewis Hamilton’s winning streak in 2021, Verstappen considered the 2023 season to be his best yet. However, controversy surrounding Red Bull has sparked a never-ending saga. Team principal Christian Horner was cleared of misconduct allegations, but leaked evidence has caused further turmoil within the team. Verstappen’s father even met with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, fueling rumors of a possible move to Mercedes.
Former Ferrari driver, Sebastian Vettel, believes that switching to Mercedes would be a foolish decision for Verstappen. While a move could result in a higher salary, Mercedes is currently unable to provide a winning car. As long as Red Bull continues to offer a competitive car, Verstappen is likely to stay with the team.