Max Verstappen Reigns Supreme in Rainy Dutch GP Matching F1 Record with 9th Consecutive Triumph

Max Verstappen, the dominant leader of Formula One, clinched a rain-soaked victory at the Dutch Grand Prix, marking his ninth consecutive win and tying Sebastian Vettel’s record. With this triumph, Verstappen further extended his championship lead to a commanding 138 points, making a third consecutive world title seem inevitable.

Racing from pole position at Zandvoort, Verstappen secured his third consecutive victory at the venue. Behind him, veteran Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin secured second place, while also claiming an extra point for the fastest lap.

Verstappen, overwhelmed by his record-equalling feat, confessed, “Nine in a row is something I never even thought about. Very happy with that.” The Dutch driver acknowledged the potential of his remarkable car in achieving such results.

The atmosphere at the Dutch Grand Prix was electric, with Verstappen expressing his appreciation for the supportive home crowd. Despite adverse weather conditions, the passionate fans created an incredible ambiance. Verstappen remarked, “I already had goose bumps when they were playing the national anthem before the start. Even with all the bad weather and the rain the fans were still going at it, an incredible atmosphere.” He acknowledged the weight of expectations and the pressure to perform.

The race brought unexpected twists, including a penalty for speeding in the pit lane given to Red Bull driver Sergio Perez, pushing him down the ranks. Pierre Gasly of Alpine moved up to third position due to Perez’s penalty, earning his fourth career podium.

The chaotic race featured multiple tire changes due to changing weather conditions, causing a 40-minute delay through a red flag after a crash involving Alfa Romeo’s Zhou Guanyu. Upon resumption, Verstappen, ahead of Alonso, Perez, and Gasly, managed to extend his lead over Perez for a remarkable 11th win of the season.

Verstappen’s victory extended Red Bull’s winning streak to a record 14 consecutive races, a feat last achieved during Sebastian Vettel’s era. The Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner, hailed the achievement as “really incredible,” emphasizing the collaborative team effort.

Verstappen also inched closer to his own record of 15 wins in a single season, set in the previous year, and moved towards the all-time win records held by Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel. His victory added to Ferrari’s woes, as Charles Leclerc retired due to floor damage, marking his third Did Not Finish (DNF) this season.

Fernando Alonso’s resurgence continued as he expressed confidence in securing his 33rd career win in the near future. “We’re getting closer,” he said. “The car was flying, it was very competitive, very easy to drive. In these conditions you need a car that you can trust and I did trust the car today.”

The Dutch Grand Prix highlighted Verstappen’s unwavering dominance, setting the stage for his pursuit of additional records and titles. The upcoming Monza race presents an opportunity for Verstappen to set a new record, a fitting tribute considering Vettel’s first win at the same track in 2008.