Lewis Hamilton, a name synonymous with Formula 1 success, is voicing concerns that could shake up the paddock. The seven-time world champion’s apprehensions about Red Bull’s performance, particularly that of Max Verstappen, find unexpected support from a former F1 team owner.

Hamilton’s unease stems from the culmination of the 2023 Formula 1 season, a season that saw him finish a challenging ninth at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking his second consecutive winless year. Despite Toto Wolff’s optimism for Mercedes in 2024, Lewis Hamilton’s attention is fixated on Red Bull, with Max Verstappen securing a record 19 victories, including a commanding win in Abu Dhabi, crossing the finish line 17.9 seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc in second.

Hamilton’s fear of Max Verstappen’s dominance gets realized by a former F1 team boss

Sir Lewis Hamilton’s concerns extend beyond the immediate results, focusing on Red Bull’s ability to secure victories without significant car development since August. His skepticism raises questions about Mercedes’ ability to catch up and poses a fundamental challenge to the reigning champions. With the season wrapped up, the Mercedes driver dove into the data, analyzing Max Verstappen’s performances throughout the season.

“You can go through the lap times and some of the data from Max. He is just chilling at the front more often than not. I don’t think he has broken a sweat during the year,“ Mirror quoted Hamilton, shedding light on Verstappen’s seemingly easy wins.

Acknowledging Red Bull’s exceptional car, Hamilton attributed Max Verstappen’s dominance to the luxury of controlling the race from the front. “When you are in that position where you have performance and can back off, the car goes further. The tires go longer, and you are in a sweet spot, and it is amazing to be in that place,” Hamilton noted.

Adding weight to Hamilton’s concerns, Gian Carlo Minardi, a seasoned figure in racing with two decades of experience running his own F1 team, shared his sentiments. When asked about the reachability of Max Verstappen and Red Bull, Minardi cautiously stated, as quoted by Gazzetta Motori, “They have an advantage that I think is difficult to fill at the moment. Analyzing the races of 2023 well, I got the idea that Verstappen never saw the best of his possibilities. And that doesn’t make us hope that much. And then from England, I get news that their 2024 car is even better…” [Translated by Google]

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As statistics paint a picture of dominance with 21 wins out of 22 races and 860 championship points in the RB19, it wasn’t just the F1 community that the Milton-Keynes team left impressed.

Lewis Hamilton’s own people praised Red Bull for its historic achievements in 2023

The 2023 Formula 1 season has etched itself into the sport’s history, with Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen at the forefront of an extraordinary display of dominance. Out of the 22 races, the Austrian team emerged victorious in a staggering 21, securing not only the Constructors’ Championship but also propelling Max Verstappen to an unprecedented 19 wins and the Drivers’ Championship.

British politician Greg Smith – the Conservative MP for Buckingham – joined a chorus of admiration for Red Bull Racing’s record-breaking season. In recognizing its unparalleled achievements, Smith emphasized, “Sometimes there are sporting achievements that just can’t pass without comment. Red Bull Racing smashed through every record in the Formula One season, winning 21 of the 22 races.“

Penny Mordaunt, the Lord President of the Council of the House of Commons, took a broader perspective, highlighting the integral role of the UK’s motorsport infrastructure in fostering such excellence. With several F1 teams calling the UK home, Mordaunt also underscored the country’s contribution to nurturing skills and engineering superiority in the highly competitive field of motorsport.

As the Formula 1 community grapples with the aftermath of Red Bull’s dominance, it becomes increasingly evident that Max Verstappen’s brilliance has transcended rivalries, earning respect from all corners of the world. So, do you think anyone can challenge the reign of Max Verstappen and Red Bull in the seasons to come? Share your insights in the comments below.