Sebastian Vettel, a four-time Formula 1 world champion, has disclosed that he had conversations with Max Verstappen after the Dutchman nearly broke one of his records.
After his incredible triumph at the Japanese Grand Prix last weekend, Verstappen is only ahead of Vettel, a legend in the sport, who now holds the fourth-highest number of grand prix victories (53).
Both men have experienced the most successful eras of their individual careers with the Red Bull team, with Vettel winning four consecutive championships between 2010-2013, and Verstappen accomplishing the same from 2021-2024.
Vettel decided to switch teams after Red Bull’s performance declined in 2014. He joined Ferrari in 2015, where he won 14 races but was unable to add a fifth championship to his collection.
Verstappen has broken numerous records in his career so far, and at just 27, he still has plenty of time to win his fifth world championship title.
In 2023, Verstappen broke one of Vettel’s most valuable records, and his season was the most successful by a single driver in the history of the sport.
Vettel’s nine consecutive race victories in the 2013 season were surpassed by the Red Bull star’s ten consecutive grand prix victories. The German has now disclosed the counsel he provided Verstappen during that time.
“I was in contact with him when he was on the brink of breaking the record with the most wins after each other, and I was at nine,” Vettel stated to BBC Sportsworld.
I told him, ‘You’re better than me, I’m sure you’ll kick me,’ after he levelled the playing field. After saying, “I’m not sure, I’m not sure,” he performed ten! Thus, I’m rather certain he can succeed.”
             Verstappen chasing history
Since his intense championship duel with Lewis Hamilton in 2021, Verstappen has dominated the sport and had it all to himself in subsequent years.
Despite his own record-breaking career, Hamilton has never won five straight world titles, and Verstappen will face more formidable opposition in 2025.
With drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri likely the favourites for the championship, McLaren appears to have a sizable pace advantage over Red Bull. However, after three races, Verstappen is only one point behind early leader Norris.
Verstappen would become the first Red Bull driver to win five championships and join Michael Schumacher as the only drivers to win five straight if he were to win this year’s race.
“If anyone can do it, he can do it as well with the championships in Red Bull,” Vettel said, offering Verstappen his vote of confidence.
