Max Verstappen’s Record-Breaking 2023 Season Under Scrutiny: Giedo van der Garde’s Insights

In the high-octane world of Formula 1, where each race can be a make-or-break moment, Max Verstappen has undeniably emerged as the dominant force of the 2023 season. Red Bull Racing has been an unstoppable force, securing victory in every single race thus far. Verstappen, the Dutch dynamo, has been the star of the show, bagging an astounding twelve victories, while his teammate, Sergio Perez, managed to claim the remaining two.

However, amidst this season of unparalleled triumph, Max Verstappen has raised eyebrows with his recent comments casting doubt on the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix. It’s a curious turn of events for a driver who has been virtually untouchable throughout the year. Verstappen’s statement regarding his confidence in Singapore came as a surprise to many in the F1 community.

“Singapore has its unique challenges, and I’m not as confident as I usually am going into this race,” Verstappen admitted to the media. “Perez has shown great prowess on street circuits in the past, which could pose more of a threat this time.”

These candid remarks from Verstappen, a man usually known for his unwavering self-belief, prompted former F1 driver turned pundit, Giedo van der Garde, to provide his insightful analysis. Van der Garde, known for his candid and forthright commentary, didn’t mince words.

Van der Garde reacted to Verstappen’s record-breaking win at the Italian Grand Prix in his analysis on Viaplay, stating, “Max Verstappen’s performance this season has been nothing short of spectacular. Winning the Italian Grand Prix in such a dominant fashion was a testament to his skill and determination.”

“A little bit more difficult, I think for us. But we’ll see. We’ll do our best, and of course, we’ll try to go in there and try to win it again.

“But it’s not, let’s say, going to be the strongest weekend for us.”

However, the seasoned pundit went further, delving into the question on everyone’s mind: How long can this incredible winning streak continue? Van der Garde’s analysis brought a stark contrast to Verstappen’s current comments.

“Verstappen’s moment of doubt about Singapore is understandable given the challenges of the Marina Bay Street Circuit. But let’s not forget that he’s been rewriting the history books this season,” van der Garde emphasized. “He’s taken on all comers and emerged victorious. As for Perez, he’s certainly a contender on street circuits, but Verstappen’s form is nothing short of extraordinary. I believe he can overcome the challenges in Singapore and extend his incredible streak.”

“The fact that it is a new record is of course great.

“I know how difficult it is to even get there, to win a race and to win a championship. And Max just manages to win ten races in a row. Yes, that is simply unprecedented.

“I always say, he has so much confidence, it comes so easily to him. I think it’s great to see what we are experiencing now in the Netherlands with those ten victories.”

It’s a fascinating dynamic in Formula 1, where even the best can experience moments of uncertainty. As the 2023 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing, waiting to see if they can maintain their unrelenting dominance and whether Verstappen can silence his own doubts on the streets of Singapore.

“Where will it stop? He could make it thirteen or fourteen.

“Look, the confidence is there. Singapore is of course coming, that is not his favourite circuit. But on the other hand, there is so much confidence, he is doing well.

“And he does it in such a superior way that it could really go on and on. 

“So instead of him raising ten fingers in a moment, he only has to raise two fingers then he makes eleven. Or, you know, he can walk to Perez’s car, which of course has number eleven. So yes, I think he will take a few more.”