Over the past 12 years, Formula 1 has went through two major periods of dominance: the first was Red Bull’s, with four consecutive titles secured by Sebastian Vettel and the second was that of Mercedes, marked by Lewis Hamilton’s six world titles and one championship won by Nico Rosberg. Now the Austrian team is once again the team to beat.
In the last two seasons, the Milton Keynes team returned to winning ways, taking two drivers’ titles with Max Verstappen and this year’s constructors’ championship. Particularly striking are the numbers and records set by Max Verstappen during the current championship: the Dutchman in fact recently celebrated his 13th success in a season, matching the record that belonged to Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel.
The two Germans had taken these records in 2004 and 2013 respectively, at the peak of their triumphant eras for Scuderia Ferrari and Red Bull. What is worrying instead, looking at Max Verstappen, is the feeling that the era of Red Bull and the Dutchman’s successes is only just beginning. A far from rosy prospect for those who this season have been the main challengers of the former #33: Ferrari and Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque and Ferrari dream of bringing back to Maranello a title that has been missing since 2007, but the fear is that Formula 1 could become the current champion’s private “playing ground’ for the next few seasons. Faced with this possibility, however, the Monegasque driver, who had a great recovery drive at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, finishing third after starting from P12, has self-nominated for the role of main challenger.
Speaking at the press conference at the end of the American race, Charles Leclerc replied to those who asked him what his feelings were when looking at the Dutchman’s records and if he did not fear the prospect of a long dominance period for Red Bull: “If Max will dominate in the next years? I hope not.” – the Ferrari driver said.
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“I will do everything to ensure that it does not happen and we are working as a team so that it does not happen. I think it is very clear for us where we need to improve. On the flying lap we are very strong. In the race, however, we are in trouble with the tires. So we are committed to this and I hope that the results will be seen as early as next year. Looking at the season, there was not only tire degradation, but also errors in strategy and communication. The tire management aspect is just part of these things. We are looking to use these latest races in the best possible way to challenge Max and Red Bull next year. But I am confident we can do it, because I know how hard we are working and I am convinced that we are going in the right direction.” – Charles Leclerc concluded.
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