Max Verstappen Seeks Unprecedented 10th Consecutive F1 Victory at Italy’s Monza Circuit

For Max Verstappen, the objective isn’t about setting records, but securing wins.

The Red Bull Racing driver has a chance to accomplish both at the forthcoming Italian Grand Prix this Sunday, an opportunity to inscribe his name indelibly in the annals of Formula One history.

Last weekend, at the Dutch Grand Prix, Verstappen matched Sebastian Vettel’s F1 record of nine consecutive wins. The 25-year-old driver is now poised to surpass that milestone on the iconic Monza track.

Verstappen’s singular focus, however, remains on victory.

“In actuality, I never envisioned winning nine consecutive races,” Verstappen commented. “But now that the situation has presented itself, the aim is certainly to capture the 10th, although my primary focus is simply on winning.”

Vettel established the record for successive wins back in 2013, during Red Bull’s initial period of dominance in which he claimed four consecutive championships. Verstappen recollects being astonished as a young adult when he watched the German driver set that record.

“I remember witnessing that accomplishment and thinking, ‘That’s an incredible feat. I doubt anyone will replicate this,’” Verstappen added. “Yet, here we are, although I am not overly obsessed with it.”

It would be a risky wager to bet against Verstappen achieving this ‘incredible feat’ at Monza, particularly given his dominance this season.

His win last weekend extended his already considerable championship lead to 138 points as he edges closer to a third consecutive world title. He is also approaching his own F1 record of 15 annual wins, accumulating a total of 46 victories thus far, placing him fifth on the all-time wins list. He is within striking distance of surpassing Alain Prost (51) and even Vettel (53) with nine races remaining.

Verstappen is already being discussed as one of the sport’s all-time greats, notwithstanding his relatively young age.

“For me, personal opinions on my place in history do not drive my ambition. I didn’t enter Formula One to insert my name into lists,” Verstappen clarified.

One factor that may benefit his competitors this weekend is Verstappen’s historically mediocre performance at the Italian Grand Prix. Although he broke his winless streak at Monza last year, his previous best finish was a fifth place in 2018.

Despite Verstappen’s near-invincibility this year, some speculate that Red Bull might encounter difficulties at Monza, known for being the fastest circuit on the F1 calendar.

Verstappen, for his part, remains undeterred. “People may have their own desires, but I believe this will be a favorable track for us,” he said.

Gap to Pérez

The Red Bull Racing Team continues to dominate the constructors’ championship much like Verstappen dominates the drivers’ standings. The team is eyeing an extension of its record with a 15th consecutive win this Sunday, holding more than double the points of its nearest rival, Mercedes.

However, the bulk of those points have been amassed by Verstappen, who has clinched 11 of the 13 races so far. His teammate, Sergio Pérez, has only managed two victories.

Pérez acknowledges the challenge. “It’s been difficult to compete with him this season,” he said. “Regardless of the car’s condition, Max has consistently been able to extract optimal performance.”

After some initial success, Pérez has had a lackluster mid-season. “I experienced some difficulties, but I believe those are behind me and anticipate strong performances moving forward,” Pérez added.

Struggling Ferrari

As for Ferrari, the team has struggled to live up to its own storied history at its home track, giving its passionate fan base, known as ‘tifosi,’ little to celebrate in recent years.

The sole bright spot came in 2019 when Charles Leclerc secured a win, marking the team’s only victory at Monza since 2010. Leclerc was in contention last year but had to settle for second place due to a questionable strategy call from Ferrari.

A series of ill-advised strategic moves and unforeseen events have marred Ferrari’s performance over the past two seasons. Leclerc and teammate Carlos Sainz Jr. face an uphill battle, although Leclerc remains optimistic.

“I believe we will be more competitive here,” Leclerc said. “Whether it’s enough for a podium finish, I can’t say, but we will certainly give it our utmost effort.”

For further coverage on auto racing, visit AP auto racing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Max Verstappen Italian Grand Prix