Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali believes Max Verstappen has “created something special” after securing his third World Championship in Qatar on Saturday.
Verstappen only required three points from the Sprint to retain the title, but team-mate Sergio Perez’s retirement saw the Dutchman be crowned for the third time mid-race.
With six full-length grands prix still to be held before the curtain comes down on the 2023 season, Verstappen has equalled Michael Schumacher for the earliest F1 title win.
Verstappen, who will line up on pole position for tonight’s Qatar Grand Prix, has accrued 13 race victories, 10 pole positions and 15 podiums across the 16 races so far.
Domenicali has lavished praise on the Red Bull star’s remarkable campaign after he became only the 11th three-time World Champion in the sport’s entire history.
“There are actually not enough words to describe what kind of season he has had, and what he is still doing,” Domenicali told De Telegraaf.
“Max deserves the title. It’s impressive how focused he has been since day one of the season. And I’m sure his attitude will remain the same until the end of the year.
“With his performance he really creates something special in the history of Formula 1.”
Domenicali has pinpointed Verstappen’s scintillating runs to pole position in Monaco and Japan as the two standout moments of his third championship-winning year.
“Then I mention the last sector of his last qualifying lap in Monaco and two weeks ago the first sector during qualifying in Suzuka,” he continued. “On those two occasions I personally gave him a standing ovation.”
“Max shows that you can make a difference with pure racing talent. He’s still young, so who knows what’s to come. I hope all Formula 1 enthusiasts around the world enjoy this and fans come to the races in the coming weeks to celebrate the championship with him.”
Verstappen’s fellow competitors have also applauded his latest success, admitting that he has simply been a cut above the rest.
“I think we would all like to be in Max’s position today, but there can only be one winner. He’s driven a lot better than anyone else this season and he deserves all the success,” Perez said.
“I’m happy for him, he worked really hard for it, together with all the team, and well done to him.”
Lando Norris added: “I’ve said congrats to him. He deserves it. He’s done a better job than everyone all year, and has done for the last three years, so congrats to him.”
Meanwhile, George Russell insists that Red Bull’s dominance will inspire Mercedes to “raise our game”, as the German marque bids to return to title contention in 2024.
“Huge congratulations to him and Red Bull,” Russell began. “From the outset Red Bull were far superior to everybody and then Max has obviously just been on another level recently. I can only congratulate him.
“We’ve got to look ourselves in the mirror and raise our game to give them some trouble for next year. We want to be there in the fight and be putting them under a bit of pressure.”
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