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Max Verstappen’s Reign of Dominance: The F1 Superstar Who Hasn’t Missed the Top 10 Since 2016

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
January 9, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Max Verstappen’s Reign of Dominance: The F1 Superstar Who Hasn’t Missed the Top 10 Since 2016

Formula One F1 - Qatar Grand Prix - Lusail International Circuit, Lusail, Qatar - December 1, 2024 Red Bull's Max Verstappen celebrates with a trophy on the podium after winning the Qatar Grand Prix REUTERS/Jakub Porzycki

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Max Verstappen, the reigning king of Formula 1, has etched his name into the sport’s history books with a level of dominance rarely seen in motorsport. Since his debut in 2015, the Dutch superstar has only grown stronger, delivering a string of performances that are as consistent as they are breathtaking.


A Top-10 Streak That Defies the Odds

A standout stat underscores Verstappen’s dominance: he hasn’t finished outside the top 10 since the 2016 Belgian Grand Prix—an extraordinary feat spanning over eight seasons. That race at Spa-Francorchamps saw a young Verstappen finish 11th, just behind then-Williams driver Valtteri Bottas. At the time, Verstappen was still finding his footing in the sport, competing against titans like Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, and Nico Rosberg.

What makes this streak even more remarkable is that it predates Red Bull’s rise to its current form. Back then, the team was still playing catch-up to Mercedes’ juggernaut, and Verstappen himself was honing his craft as a teenager in F1’s cutthroat environment.

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Dominance in the Ground-Effect Era

Since clinching his maiden championship in 2021, Verstappen has been nothing short of unstoppable. Now a four-time world champion, he’s shattered records for wins, podiums, and points in a single season. But his remarkable consistency is what sets him apart: Verstappen has turned every race into a demonstration of his unrelenting speed and racecraft.

The arrival of the ground-effect regulations in 2022 only cemented Verstappen’s supremacy. Paired with Red Bull’s exceptional RB18, RB19, and RB20 cars, Verstappen has displayed an iron grip on the championship battles, even in seasons where others have sporadically closed the gap.


The 2026 Regulations: A Potential Turning Point?

Formula 1’s looming 2026 regulation changes could, however, disrupt the current pecking order. With a renewed emphasis on sustainable fuels and revised power unit designs, the new rules have the potential to shake up the competitive landscape—posing both an opportunity and a threat to Verstappen’s reign.

While Red Bull is expected to tackle the changes head-on, failure to deliver a competitive package could see Verstappen explore options elsewhere. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has openly expressed admiration for Verstappen and hinted at the possibility of working together in the future. Add Ferrari, McLaren, and even Aston Martin into the mix, and it’s easy to see how Verstappen could spark a bidding war if he becomes available.


Loyalty vs. Opportunity

Despite the tantalizing possibilities of a move, Verstappen’s loyalty to Red Bull cannot be overlooked. The team has nurtured him since his teenage years, giving him the confidence and tools to flourish. Key figures like Helmut Marko and Christian Horner played a pivotal role in his journey to becoming F1’s youngest-ever race winner and later, a multiple-time champion.

However, Verstappen is fiercely ambitious. If Red Bull falters under the new regulations, his loyalty may be tested. In F1, where unpredictability reigns supreme, a competitive car remains the ultimate currency.


The Legacy of Max Verstappen

As Verstappen enters the next phase of his career, fans can only marvel at his unparalleled consistency and dominance. Whether he stays at Red Bull through 2028 or takes on a new challenge with another team, one thing is certain: Max Verstappen’s era in Formula 1 is far from over. With every race, he continues to build a legacy that will be remembered for generations.

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