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Vettel: No regrets losing F1 win rate record to Verstappen

Sebastian Vettel is no longer the record holder, along with Michal Schumacher, of the greatest number of wins in a single F1 season, but the German was happy to see Max Verstappen surpass his achievement.

In Mexico City last weekend, Verstappen clinched his 14th win of 2022, a feat that has now put the Dutchman in a league of his own as F1's most prolific winner in a single season.

Verstappen has never been one to give due consideration to statistics, but the reigning world champion is nevertheless "incredibly proud" of his accomplishment.

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Verstappen: 'Never thought I would win 14 GPs in a year!'

"I just live in the moment," he said last Sunday. "I just try to, of course, do the best I can every single weekend. I try to win the races and that, for me, is the most important.

"Every single weekend when I go home, and I can say to myself that I maximised or close to that I'm happy.

"But of course, a lot in Formula 1 depends on your whole package , right? And we are having a great package and I'm just enjoying the moment.

"I’m not that interested in keeping in touch with every stat. But of course, it is an amazing season and of course I'm very happy with winning so many races."

Vettel, who enjoyed his own banner season with Red Bull Racing in 2011, proclaimed himself "really happy" to see his former team and Verstappen pick up the outstanding record.

"I think it's great for the team," he said. "I still know some people there, so I'm really happy for them and for Max. Well done.

"I think he's had a hell of a season, so hopefully he gets 16 at the end of the year! Everything else will be a disappointment, no?"

And the Aston Martin driver knows that sustaining such a level of success is no small feat.

"No, it's not," he said. "But obviously I think they had a momentum from last year, the car this year is incredible. They won races even though they were heavier than everybody else.

"I think by now they've probably got the weight out. So the car is there, but Max is doing an amazing job as well."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.