2023 could be Max Verstappen’s most successful season ever, as he has already bagged two victories out of three races, with a P2 finish in the other grand prix.
Last season, Verstappen claimed the world title at the Japanese Grand Prix, winning 15 out of the 22 races on the calendar.
Former F1 world champion Damon Hill and ex-F1 team owner Eddie Jordan believe that the dominant 25-year-old Dutchman’s success could continue for years to come, as he grows as a driver.
“I’m sure he’ll get better,” Hill told the F1 Nation podcast.
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“He has shown more maturity in the application of his talents in races. He knows when to twist and when to stick.
“There’s no need to go flat out everywhere but he’s always got something in his back pocket if he needs it.
“The sky is the limit – it could be eight world titles. There’s a ruthlessness to it as well.
“Most people find it difficult to relate to that, because in normal life it’s regarded as being selfish and unattractive.
“But it’s a totally appropriate mindset when competing in a sport where the objective is to win. It’s not to do well or play nicely, it’s to win. So that is what he has,” he continued.
Lewis Hamilton was on course to become the first Formula 1 to secure eight world titles before Verstappen won the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in a controversial last lap shootout.
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If Hamilton steps away from the sport before Mercedes rectify their performance deficit, Verstappen could be left as the most likely driver to shatter Schumacher’s record.
“If everything stays well with Max, and I’m hoping that it will, mentally and physically and everything to do with the car, Max is going to hit 10 world championships,” Jordan told the Formula for Success podcast.
“Because he’s that young and that good. How fast is he?! He’s just ridiculous. I think Lewis needs to get on his bike and hurry up and get number eight because it’s soon to be passed up by Max,” he added.