Will Max Verstappen’s F1 dominance surpass Michael Schumacher?[F1-Gate.com]

No team and driver combination has dominated F1 like Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen did in the 2023 F1 World Championship. Former Renault team principal Cyril Abiteboul claims that even when Ferrari’s Michael Schumacher won back-to-back titles, he was not on a par. “Ferrari’s dominance was at a time when F1 was much less competitive than it is now,” Abiteboul told Franceinfo.

“Ferrari had an advantage over other teams with a budget and system that was unmatched.” “It’s true that Red Bull is a prestigious team with a well-organized and well-funded organization, but that’s not all. Abiteboul said it was particularly impressive that Verstappen won at the end of the last regulation cycle in 2021 and then won the title twice in 2023 and 2023. “When the regulations change, there could be teams that work particularly well and find tricks,” Abiteboul said. “But the 2023 regulations were already known, so other teams should be more competitive.”One of the secrets of Red Bull’s success is that Christian Horner, Adrian Newey and He insists there is stability at the top, led by head of port Jonathan Wheatley. “They know each other,” Abiteboul said, adding that despite having a rocky relationship with Red Bull during their time at Renault, “and they are formidable.” And Abiteboul insists that Max Verstappen clearly holds the key to complete domination in 2023. Verstappen even put Sergio Perez’s position in jeopardy by scoring more than twice as many points as his teammate. “Max is an extraordinary player,” Abiteboul said. “But Perez is far from a rookie or a junior. He tried his best but suffered from the fact that Max has a very light car with a rear axle and a very specific driving style. “This is Max Verstappen There is no doubt that it is a car designed for him. He is spoiled with this team. Very good drivers like Pierre Gasly and Alexander Albon have also played with him. “He (Max) has a great psychological influence and he has a great car, but he overtakes easily. “Because the other drivers don’t fight him. They know they can’t compete with him. “So instead of wearing out the tires to hold him back, they just let him pass,” Abiteboul said with a smile. is. Despite Verstappen’s dominance and TV ratings in the German market reportedly dropping by 20%, France’s Canal Plus expects similar ratings in both 2022 and 2023. It is recorded. But Abiteboul warns that if Verstappen’s dominance continues, he could eventually start to take a toll on F1. “This championship has a significant commercial dynamic because, like Las Vegas, each year brings something new,” Abiteboul said. “There’s a lot of interest other than first place in the drivers’ championship.” “It will be a problem if this situation drags on, but I’d be surprised if the dominance we’ve had this season continues into next season.” By 2026, when the next rule change takes place, Red Bull will face even more competition.”