Formula 1's Final Lap: Verstappen Cortes Against Vettel's Legacy
With the final 306.183 race kilometers of the 2023 Formula 1 season looming, Max Verstappen stands on the precipice of creating yet another milestone in his illustrious career. The last time they raced in Abu Dhabi, Verstappen made history, and this year, he has the chance to etch another memorable title into his driven legacy.
With just one race win standing between him and a record-breaking 54th career victory, Verstappen rides on the heels of a staggering eleven triumphs this year—a feat barely matched by Sebastian Vettel's 18 wins throughout his entire career. And if the Dutchman pulls off another victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this Sunday (14:00 CET/Sky), Verstappen will leapfrog Vettel, becoming the third-most-winning driver in Formula 1 history.
Chasing the Giants
Verstappen is set to claim the third rung on the Formula 1 victory ladder, leaving only Lewis Hamilton (103) and seven-time champion Michael Schumacher (91) ahead of him. With such titans in his sights, it's no small feat. Verstappen's trajectory in the face of competition is enough to leave anyone in awe.
It could mark the 21st win for Red Bull in their 22nd race this season, with Sergio Pérez's second-place finish and the team's constructors' title already secured. The Red Bull team is on a roll, and Verstappen is leading the charge.
Mercedes' Fading Hope
As the season closes, Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell are both eager for a victory after a long dry spell. Unfortunately for them, the team has not clinched a win since Abu Dhabi 2021, when controversy reared its head and Hamilton secured his last triumph.
Hamilton has been searching for that elusive victory for two years now, while Russell has not tasted glory since March 2022. Deterred by Red Bull's unrelenting dominance, Mercedes has struggled throughout the year. Despite some signs of recovery, they continue to trail behind, hampered by an evasive concept and constant setbacks.
In the face of these challenges, Hamilton found himself languishing in the 11th spot during qualifying for the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Having experienced a dramatic end to the previous year's championship, the prospect of another victory looks bleak—particularly given Verstappen's razor-sharp form.
The Grey Area: Toto Wolf's Conundrum
As Mercedes grapples with its struggles, team principal Toto Wolff voiced his concern, acknowledging, "This car doesn't deserve to win." With Red Bull maintaining an unyielding stranglehold on the season and Ferrari close on their heels, there are few opportunities left for the Silver Arrows to clinch that second place in the standings.
Mercedes has been on a winning streak for twelve consecutive seasons, tallying a staggering 116 victories. This year, however, it seems that sought-after 117th win could be just out of reach. The future of the Silver Arrows is uncertain, and the pressure is mounting—particularly for Hamilton, who has yet to celebrate a victory since the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in December 2021.
As the ABU Dhabi GP approaches, Verstappen and Vettel prepare to write their own chapters in the annals of Motorsport history. The final 2023 Formula 1 season race is set to be an epic showdown—a nail-biting confrontation between history and the relentless pursuit of victory.
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Max Verstappen currently has 63 career victories in Formula 1, while Sebastian Vettel has 53 career victories. To surpass Vettel in the all-time winners list, Verstappen needs to win 11 more races.
