Verstappen names most 'enjoyable' win so far in 2023

Max Verstappen's unwavering supremacy with Red Bull in the first half of the 2023 season saw the Dutchman win ten of the twelve races held year-to-date.

At Spa last weekend, Verstappen claimed his eighth consecutive victory, an achievement that has put the 25-year-old just one win away from equaling Sebastian Vettel's record of nine straight Grand Prix wins in a row which he set, also with Red Bull Racing, during his banner year in 2013.

Looking back on the first part of his remarkable campaign, Verstappen singled out one specific race win that he found particularly enjoyable.

"It's difficult to choose," admitted the championship leader. "There have been a lot of nice ones, some straightforward.

"I think the one actually which I really enjoyed was Miami.

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"It's a tough track to get through the field but we managed that whole race quite well after, of course, the tough qualifying."

Indeed, an error on his first run in Saturday's qualifying shootout in Miami forced the Red Bull charger to abort his lap, which ultimately left him a lowly ninth on the grid on Sunday.

Verstappen had set himself a minimum target in the race of recovering to the podium places. But it only took 20 laps for the Dutchman to storm through the field and take charge of proceedings.

"For me, that was a very enjoyable one but honestly also [Belgium], and Hungary - there are a lot of nice ones," he added.

"I think also throughout the first part of the season, we have improved as a team. From my side, I feel more comfortable in the car, and it's all about little details.

"There are a lot of enjoyable moments, and it's tough to pick one."

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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.