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Max Verstappen has said that the current unpredictable nature of Formula 1 is ‘great for the sport’.
Since his run of nine consecutive grand prix victories came to an end in round three at Albert Park, the 26-year-old has been consistently challenged at the front of the grid.
With Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes all bringing significant upgrades since the start of the year, the gap between Red Bull and their nearest rivals has quickly diminished.
As a result, we are experiencing one of the most unpredictable seasons that the sport has seen for a long time.
Closing the gap
After a dominant 2023 season, Verstappen has not had it all his own way in 2024.
The Dutchman failed to claim victory in only three grand prix last year, compared to five times so far this season. In turn, there have been twice as many Sunday winners as last year, despite only being 12 races in.
The most recent of which was Lewis Hamilton’s triumph at the British Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver locked out the front row alongside teammate George Russell in Saturday’s qualifying session, whilst Verstappen placed fourth and nearly four tenths from pole position. Hamilton then produced a stellar drive the next day to secure his first victory in over two years, despite late pressure from the Red Bull driver.
Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris and Russell are the other drivers to have won a grand prix this season. The three-time world champion remains top of the Drivers’ World Championship Standings but has failed to pull away from the chasing pack as he impressively did in 2023. His nearest threat is McLaren’s Norris, who currently sits 84 points behind the Dutchman in the standings.
12 down, 12 to go…
Here's how things stand after a dozen races, both this season and last �#F1 pic.twitter.com/u4pvuaYYv4
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 12, 2024
Gearing up for battle
Despite competition at the top intensifying over the previous ten races, Verstappen insists he is relishing the challenges that it brings:
“I mean, in general, it’s just great to have so many fantastic drivers in F1 and making it difficult to win�, the Dutchman told F1 media at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
“I think everyone was waiting for that as well and that’s definitely what F1 fans want. To have this is great between so many different teams as well. It’s going to be a great rest of the year.�
The 26-year-old also highlighted how positive the fierce competition is for the growth of the sport:
“I think that [theme] will continue also for the rest of the season, so it’s really unknown what is going to happen, and that’s great for the sport.�
There have been SIX different race winners this Formula 1 season.
The 2022 and 2023 seasons had FIVE COMBINED ? pic.twitter.com/659P9UenMs
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) July 7, 2024
Following a week off, F1 returns this weekend for the Hungarian Grand Prix. Verstappen has claimed victory on the previous two visits to the Hungaroring.
Feature Image Credit: (Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images)