No one can argue that Lewis Hamilton is one of the greatest drivers to have raced in Formula 1. From his on-track exploits to everything he’s done for the sport, he is and will always be an F1 legend. Just to put into perspective how successful he’s been in his 17 seasons in the sport, here are some stats. This weekend’s Singapore GP will be his 325th race start. Of the 325 previous starts, he’s finished on the podium 195 times, 103 of which have been first places. To add to that, he has 104 pole positions & of course, the seven championships. The list goes on.

Statistically, Hamilton is the most decorated driver in Formula 1. But believe it or not, he’s not the most decorated person in Formula 1. That record is safe in the hands of someone from Max Verstappen and Red Bull’s camp.

Lewis Hamilton has a long way to go to catch up to Red Bull’s mastermind

If not Hamilton, who is the most successful person in F1? It’s the backbone of Red Bull—it’s Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey. Following championship-winning stints with Williams and McLaren, Newey joined Red Bull in 2006. Even before joining Red Bull, he was regarded as one of the best designers to have ever worked in F1. It’s no secret that Red Bull wouldn’t be where it is without Newey. 

Hamilton and Mercedes might’ve dominated the turbo-hybrid era, but that period lies between two eras of Red Bull domination. Just four years after joining Milton-Keynes, Newey guided Red Bull to four consecutive double-championships. There’s close to no doubt that we’re witnessing a similar domination, all that’s been enabled by Newey’s genius. Wondering just how big an advantage the Red Bull mastermind has over Hamilton and the rest of the field? 

As per an Instagram post by @fdataanalysis, Newey has “206 Race Wins. 12 Driver’s Championships. 11 Constructors’ Championships. He would beat any driver by a distance, even Hamilton (103 Race Wins and 7 WDC). As a ‘team,’ he would only be beaten by Ferrari! (16 WCC) 🤯” 1996 champion Damon Hill shared the post on his story and wrote, “Astonishing record” This is what pure domination looks like. Wherever Newey goes with his book and pen, he creates something beautiful, creative, and pure class. His brain, combined with Verstappen’s talent, is the most “problematic” combination, as per a former Red Bull driver.

Read More: How Did Mastermind Adrian Newey Fool McLaren to Join Red Bull?

Adrian Newey has made Max Verstappen the dominant force he is

Newey has been with the Red Bull for 18 years. In those 18 years, he’s proved what an asset he is in terms of his car designs. One thing the F1 community can be sure of is that when there’s any regulation change that requires changes in the car, Adrian Newey will make the best of it. Former Red Bull driver Mark Webber has first-hand experience working with Newey. Having partnered Sebastian Vettel in his dominant era, Webber knows how much of a difference Newey makes.

The Milton-Keynes outfit has been unbeatable this season. Verstappen is currently on a 10-race winning streak. Evidently, this is his and Red Bull’s time. Discussing this dominance, Webber alluded that this wouldn’t be happening one without the other—Verstappen without Newey or vice-versa. Webber said, “When you put Max Verstappen and Adrian Newey together, we have a problem. Adrian Newey has won over 200 Grand Prix victories as a designer. Was he not there, the championship would be very tight.”

Who do you feel is the more dominant force in F1? Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, or Adrian Newey?

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