The 2023 F1 season has been almost a coronation for Max Verstappen and Red Bull. By the middle of the season, the Red Bull driver They gained a commanding lead of 110 points. Red Bull took a commanding victory in the F1 Drivers’ Championship, beating his teammate Sergio Pérez by 290 points at the end. The same was true on the constructors’ side, with Red Bull leading Mercedes by 229 points after the Hungarian Grand Prix.
This year things are very different.
The second half of the F1 season has begun, Red Bull holds a slim 71-point lead over Ferrari. McLaren are just seven points behind the Scuderia, with Verstappen leading the drivers’ standings, 84 points behind Lando Norris, which makes him the favourite going into the final 12 race weekends of the year, although neither title is yet decided.
It’s a challenge Verstappen is relishing.
Speaking at this weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, Verstappen said the increased competition and the fact that it’s all “unknown” is great for the sport.
“It’s been a great year. Obviously we’ve had a very competitive start to the year and now everyone is catching up a little bit, which is great because every race is a real battle,” Verstappen said at Goodwood. “I think this will continue into the season so you really never know what’s going to happen, which is great for the sport.”
Verstappen’s comments mirror those of Oscar Piastri SB Nation After his recent second place finish at the Monaco Grand Prix, the McLaren driver said neither title is yet “decided”.
“Constructors” [Championship] I think it’s still open. We’re still a third of the way through the season, so it’s not all decided yet. Of course, being at the back puts you at a bit of a disadvantage, but it’s not impossible. And I think the drivers’ championship is still not decided. Other than Max, [Verstappen] “It’s probably an ambitious goal for a championship candidate,” Piastri said.
“But I don’t think either championship is over by any means.”
For Verstappen, the increased competition in F1 is huge.
“Generally speaking, it’s great that there are so many great drivers in F1 and it’s getting harder to win,” Verstappen added. “I think everyone’s been waiting for that too and it’s definitely something that F1 fans want. It’s great to see this happening between so many different teams.”
“The rest of the year is going to be great.”
By and large, F1 fans agree.
