Max Verstappen broke Sebastian Vettel’s record for most consecutive wins during the Italian Grand Prix. Since then, there have been a lot of comparisons between the 2 drivers. Before the Singapore Grand Prix, Verstappen was asked about these comparisons.
“I think every single one is a bit different.” Max Verstappen told the media “But I think also at the time, he was probably in the middle of that streak. I had the streak so now. Yeah, they’re completely different cars, different times so you can’t compare.”
Sebastian Vettel started his domination in the sport over a decade ago. At the time the cars were much different from the cars today. Even the competition has changed a lot over the years. Each year, the FIA keeps bringing in new regulations to make sure that the Championship is not one-sided.
🗣️ | 🇸🇬 Max on comparison of his and Sebastian Vettel’s winning streak
“I think every single one is a bit different. But I think also at the time, he was probably in the middle of that streak. I had the streak so now.. Yeah, they’re completely different cars, different times so… pic.twitter.com/s6zvXhBaa3
— RBR News 🇳🇱🇲🇽 (@redbulletin) September 15, 2023
During the early 2010s, Sebastian Vettel won 4 Championships in a row. He also had the record for most consecutive wins until it was taken by Max Verstappen after the 2023 Italian Grand Prix. Sebastian Vettel is Red Bull’s first Champion. In a way, Red Bull wouldn’t be dominating right now if not for Vettel’s success with the team.
Max Verstappen joined the team in 2016. Since then a lot of changes have taken place in terms of racing, car regulations, and track rules. Every team is forced to cope with these rules and regulations. This has been an up-and-down road for Red Bull. After the 2013 season, they were struggling to fight Mercedes for the Championship. They were finally able to do so in 2021. Since then, Max Verstappen has been fighting for the win in every single race.
How is Sebastian Vettel’s Red Bull different from the modern RB19 driven by Max Verstappen?
Until 2013, the engines used in Formula 1 were V8 engines with a maximum capacity of 2.4 liters. This generated a lot of power from the ICU. However, back then, there was no ERS (Energy Recovery System) that is used in today’s cars. Instead, they had a KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System).
The KERS system generated electrical energy while braking. This system gave the car an additional 81 horsepower which can be used for around 6 seconds a lap. This meant that the drivers had to plan where to use the KERS to gain the maximum time. In 2014, KERS was removed and the ERS was installed in all the cars.
The ERS generates kinetic energy and heat energy from the brakes. This technology was installed in all the cars. Unlike the KERS, the ERS had a total capacity for the race which would be regenerated while braking. This allowed the drivers to plan for a longer timeline with regard to the usage of the ERS.
Back when Sebastian Vettel was dominating, the cars were much smaller and lighter. This made it easier for the drivers to throw the cars into the corners. Even the tires were more durable during that time.
During the 2010s, there was no budget cap to limit the team’s spending. This allowed top teams like Red Bull to spend over $200 million each season. In 2021, the budget cap was introduced to limit the team’s spending. This has allowed the gap between the top and bottom teams to close.
Aerodynamic testing had a standard limit in 2010. Today, the testing time is allotted according to the position the team finished the previous year. For example, the top teams get the least testing time while the bottom teams get the most. These rules were introduced to make sure that none of the teams gained a big advantage due to their financial backing.
There is no doubt that Formula 1 today is significantly different from Formula 1 when Sebastian Vettel dominated.
