Max Verstappen – A Champion in Waiting?

Verstappen – The Next F1 Champion?

On Sunday Max Verstappen underlined his title credentials as the next F1 Champion as he dominated the Austrian Grand Prix. Based on his commanding performance this year’s Driver’s Championship is his to lose.

In front of thousands of adoring fans, the young Dutchman pulled away from the chasing pack from the start, leaving his rivals to contest the remaining podium spots. Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes team had no answer to the speed of Red Bull. Hamilton’s troubled race highlighted the need for the team to introduce some significant car upgrades if the team are to contest this year’s Driver’s and Constructor’s Championships.

Behind Verstappen, Valtteri Bottas was eventually allowed to pass Hamilton with 20 laps remaining and Maclaren’s Lando Norris followed suit a couple of laps later, with Hamilton finishing the race down in a disappointing 4^th place. Indeed, Norris’ talents were highlighted by Lewis Hamilton commenting on his driving ability over the team radio.

The undisputed master of the Red Bull Ring ?

Win number 14 for @Max33Verstappen!#AustrianGP ?? #F1 pic.twitter.com/CwRmAOybsm

— Formula 1 (@F1) July 4, 2021

Best of the Rest

Competition for the remaining points positions was hectic, as Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz managed to get ahead of Sergio Perez on the final lap after the Mexican had received a questionable 5-second penalty. Daniel Ricciardo was able to hold off the challenge of Charles Leclerc to finish 7^th and 8^th respectively. Alpha Tauri’s Pierre Gasly and Alpine’s Fernando Alonso rounded out the top 10, with Williams driver George Russell again frustratingly missing out on a points finish for a second consecutive week.

For a detailed list of final race positions and timings go to the Official Formula 1 website.

In two weeks the F1 circus arrives in Silverstone, which is traditionally a Hamilton-favoured track and the Mercedes team will be hopeful of an upturn in their current results. However, if Red Bull and Verstappen maintain their current momentum, we could well be crowning a new F1 Champion and Hamilton’s aspirations for an 8^th World Title could be over – for this season at least.

Podium number 5️⃣0️⃣ for @Max33Verstappen ?

Just how many more will he achieve in his career?#AustrianGP ?? #F1 pic.twitter.com/dV3hZKxAXZ

— Formula 1 (@F1) July 4, 2021

We hope you enjoyed the article ‘Verstappen – The Next F1 Champion?’ Do you think Verstappen can this years Championship? Let us know!

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