Rarely do you see a driver dominate a season the way Max Verstappen has dominated 2022.
The Dutchman wrapped up the drivers’ championship back in Suzuka while his team went on to clinch the constructors’ title in Austin, blowing away the competition and finishing lightyears ahead of his rivals.
Verstappen’s 14th win of the season broke the previous record held by Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel, however the Aston Martin driver is not overly disappointed to see someone surpass his achievements.
“I think it’s great for the team, I still know some people there [Red Bull], so I’m really happy for them and for Max. Well done,” said Vettel.
READ: Mattia Binotto says Ferrari have lost pace in effort to avoid penalty
“I think he’s had a hell of a season, so hopefully he gets 16 at the end of the year! Everything else will be a disappointment, no?”
The German, who is retiring at the end of the season has explained that Red Bull’s success is not easy, especially considering the regulation changes at the start of the year.
“Obviously I think they had momentum from last year, the car this year is incredible. They won races even though they were heavier than everybody else.
“I think by now they’ve probably got the weight out. So the car is there, but Max is doing an amazing job as well.”
Verstappen has been the first one to admit that he has had more races this season to break the record than Schumacher and Vettel did, with the ever expanding F1 calendar, but remains proud of his achievements.
The two-time world champion claims he is trying to take every day as it comes but it is hard to ignore how amazing of a season he has had with Red Bull.
“I just live in the moment,” he claimed.
“I just try to, of course, do the best I can every single weekend. I try to win races and that, for me, is the most important.
READ: Esteban Ocon publicly disagrees with Fernando Alonso claim
“Every single weekend when I go home, and I can say to myself that I maximised or close to that I’m happy.
“But of course, a lot in Formula 1 depends on your whole package, right? And we are having a great package and I’m just enjoying the moment.
“I’m not that interested in keeping in touch with every stat. But of course, it is an amazing season and of course I’m very happy with winning so many races.”