'Shouldn't Be too Hasty' In Crowning Verstappen 7-Time World Champion Says Hakkinen
F1Saturday, 27 January 2024 at 03:00
Double World Champion Mika Hakkinen suggested Max Verstappen still has a long way to go in order to achieve seven World Championship titles.
Max Verstappen achieved his third (consecutive) World Championship in the 2023 season. With Red Bull's pace advantage over the last two seasons, the Dutchman is expected to have a decent chance of achieving at least two more.
However, Mika Hakkinen already warned he wouldn't be so sure the team from Milton Keynes can continue its streak despite the high chances. Now, he mentioned he wouldn't be as confident with Verstappen as well. He told Bild:
"He is well on his way. But you shouldn't be too hasty here either. What Max has achieved in the past few years is incredible."
However, the present success does not ensure the future. Fernando Alonso is a great example. He achieved his second Championship exactly at the same age as Verstappen did - when he was 25.
However, the Spaniard hasn't been lucky enough to choose the winning team ever since and has not achieved another championship title for 17 years. As a matter of fact, he hasn't won a race for the last 11 years.
"But to even catch up with the [seven] world titles, he needs four more. Max has the talent to become the best of all time, but it's not just him."
There are a couple of additional elements that are essential for success, and the Flying Dutchman had all of them in the last couple of seasons.
However, a huge challenge is awaiting his Red Bull team in 2026 when they need to build their own power unit. This will be a crucial year that will determine Verstappen's chances of winning more championships in the near future.
Asked as to what the vital elements for the Championship winning team are. The former F1 driver named a few aspects that allowed Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton to achieve what they did.
"Team boss, car, pit crew, management – everything has to be right. That was the case with Lewis and Michael. That's why they were able to shape an era."
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