Imagine being saddled with the toughest gig in motorsport: serving as Max Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull Racing. It's a challenge that turns seasoned drivers into underdogs overnight, and it's enough to make anyone question their career choices!
But here's where it gets controversial – is this level of dominance a testament to Verstappen's genius, or does it highlight a potential imbalance in team dynamics that could stifle competition in Formula 1? Let's dive into the stats that reveal just how commanding the four-time world champion has been, and why the upcoming season might feel like a fresh nightmare for newcomer Isack Hadjar. For beginners in the sport, qualifying sessions are crucial pre-race showdowns where drivers battle for pole position – the best starting spot on the grid. Out-qualifying your teammate means you're consistently faster in these timed laps, which can set the tone for the entire weekend.
Since Verstappen moved up to Red Bull ahead of the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, he's consistently outshone everyone sharing his garage. It all kicked off with Daniel Ricciardo, the Aussie who initially had the upper hand. To be fair to Ricciardo, he started strong, out-qualifying Verstappen 11-6 that year, and even led in three of the first four races of 2017. But then, the tide turned dramatically. In the remaining 37 grands prix they raced together, Verstappen claimed the qualifying edge 27 times, cementing his authority within the team.
And this is the part most people miss – once Ricciardo departed at the end of 2018, Verstappen's qualifying record against his subsequent teammates became nothing short of extraordinary. From 2019 onward, the 28-year-old Dutch star has taken part in 152 qualifying sessions (excluding sprint formats, which are shorter, high-stakes races that don't count toward full qualifying tallies). In an astounding 140 of those, he's topped his teammate on the grid, suffering just 12 setbacks. Think about that: a success rate of over 92% in head-to-head qualifying battles.
Breaking it down further, this year saw Verstappen deliver a flawless 24-0 sweep against Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, leaving no room for doubt. Last season, in 2024, it was a near-perfect 23-1 against Sergio Perez (who, to his credit, stuck it out for four full seasons), with the lone 'defeat' coming at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix – a race known for its tricky urban layout that can flip fortunes unexpectedly. Now, as we look ahead to 2026, Verstappen enters with an unbroken streak of 31 consecutive qualifying sessions where he's bested his partner. Good luck to Isack Hadjar – he'll need it!
But let's pause and ponder: Does this relentless superiority make F1 more exciting, showcasing a driver's brilliance, or does it risk making the sport feel predictable, with teammates often relegated to supporting roles? Some might argue Verstappen's era is a golden one for Red Bull, while others could see it as a sign that team strategies prioritize one driver at the expense of fair competition. What do you think – is this level of dominance a good thing for the sport, or should we be pushing for more balance? Drop your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear agreements, disagreements, or fresh perspectives!
