Max Verstappen said that saying goodbye to the Red Bull vehicle that helped him have the most successful Formula One season ever left him feeling upset.
With his 19th victory of the year in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, Verstappen wrapped up an incredible championship campaign and became the first driver to lead 1,000 laps in a single season.
The all-conquering Dutchman finished with six rounds remaining to secure his third consecutive global title. He has won 17 of the last 18 races, including a record-breaking streak of 10 straight wins.
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With just three times of losing, he outscored Sergio Perez in the other Red Bull by 290 points, or about 12 Grand Prix wins.
“It has been an incredible season, and I was emotional on the in-lap back to the pits because it was the last time I will sit in a car which has given me so much,” said the 26-year-old driver.
“We are aware that having another season like this will be extremely difficult. Naturally, you always want to do better, and we’re working hard to have a highly competitive car for next year.
“All the other teams out there want to try and beat us next year, but we are ready for the battle.”
Without a significant regulation change before 2026, Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull expires in 2028, meaning he might be untouchable for the following two seasons.
After his 54th career victory at the Yas Marina Circuit, he is now ranked third all-time, behind only Michael Schumacher (91 victories) and Lewis Hamilton (103 wins).
Red Bull only lost its perfect season after a single, uncharacteristic weekend in Singapore.
“It is insane to win 21 races out of 22,” Red Bull team manager Christian Horner remarked.
“This car will be remembered for a long time as the most successful in Formula One because Max led more than 1,000 laps out of 1,300, won 19 races, and broke numerous records in the process.
“But nothing stands still in this sport and I am sure concepts will converge, and stable regulations will concert in the grid, so I don’t think we will ever be able to repeat the season we have just had.”
In 96 days, Verstappen will begin his challenge for a fourth straight title in Bahrain, capping up an incredible nine-month campaign.
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