A comparison of Michael Schumacher and Max Verstappen's greatest seasons in Formula 1
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Max Verstappen and Michael Schumacher are responsible for two of the most exceptional seasons in Formula 1 history, each marking a period of unmatched dominance.
Between 2000 and 2004, Schumacher and Ferrari were virtually unstoppable. After clinching two titles with Benetton, the German driver made the pivotal switch to Ferrari, a move that would eventually see him transform the team into a powerhouse. His third title, secured at the turn of the century, marked the beginning of an era of unparalleled success. Alongside teammate Rubens Barrichello, Schumacher vanquished fierce rivals like Mika Häkkinen, David Coulthard, his brother Ralf Schumacher, and Juan Pablo Montoya to win five consecutive titles, cementing his place in F1 history.
Max Verstappen now stands on the brink of matching Schumacher's legendary achievement in 2025 with Red Bull. Verstappen’s first title came in dramatic fashion in 2021 when he narrowly defeated Lewis Hamilton in one of the most unforgettable finales in F1 history. Since then, the Dutchman has been unstoppable. Though Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris have put up valiant efforts, they have never come as close as Hamilton did when Verstappen clinched his first championship. Verstappen’s 2023 campaign was a masterpiece, winning 19 races and securing his third consecutive title.
So, how do these two monumental seasons compare? While Schumacher's 2002 season was dominant, Verstappen's 2023 performance was nearly as impressive, but the dynamics of their respective campaigns were different.
The German legend’s 2002 Ferrari F1 single-seater was an engineering marvel, but was it as dominant as the RB19? To answer that question, we must look beyond raw points totals. Schumacher's 2002 season consisted of only 17 races, with each win worth 10 points, compared to Verstappen's 25 points per win across 22 races in 2023. Ignoring Sprint Races, Max Verstappen won 19 out of 22 races in 2023, finished second twice, and only once missed the podium when he finished fifth at the Singapore Grand Prix. Despite the adjustments Red Bull made to the Dutch driver’s car in Singapore, it was clear that 2023 saw the Dutchman's car significantly outperform the competition.
In comparison, Michael Schumacher finished on the podium in all 17 of his 2002 races, securing seven pole positions and seven fastest laps. He finished second five times and third once, in Malaysia. Using the 2025 points system (which no longer rewards fastest laps with extra points), Michael Schumacher's average points per race in 2002 would be approximately 22.35. Verstappen, without counting Sprint Races and fastest laps, averaged 23.68 points per race in 2023, technically making his season slightly more dominant than Schumacher's legendary 2002 campaign.
Over the years, comparisons between Max Verstappen and Michael Schumacher have been inevitable, especially considering their dominant periods and similar driving styles. Michael Schumacher, who mentored a young Verstappen and even helped him learn the ropes of karting, is often cited as a major influence on Verstappen's aggressive approach both in attack and defense. While the Dutchman hasn't had the same controversial moments as Schumacher – such as his disqualification from the 1997 title race – it wouldn't be surprising to see him push the boundaries of the rules again in 2025.
If Max Verstappen manages to match or even surpass the former Ferrari driver’s record of five consecutive titles, his legacy will be firmly cemented among F1's all-time greats. He could very well secure his place as the driver with the most successful season in the sport's history.
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