Max Verstappen is a two-time World Champion! The Dutch Lion clinched his second title at the Japanese Grand Prix. Starting from the pole, in a rain-interrupted race at Suzuka, Verstappen held his nerve and won the race. This was enough for him to be crowned as Champion.

Even though a late mistake by Charles Leclerc, which earned him a 5-second time penalty, was needed, Verstappen is a worthy champion. However, according to Red Bull boss Christian Horner, this year’s championship victory is something he cherishes more than he did in 2021.

Horner began by praising his star driver Verstappen, “Verstappen has only grown from his previous championship. He has become very mature. He rides on a different level, a lot of respect to him.” (translated via Google Translate).

Horner then explained why this year’s Championship is sweeter than 2021’s, while possibly dissing Mercedes & Ferrari, “This is less stressful than last year!”.

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Admittedly, this year would be sweeter for Horner because of how much they’ve dominated. However, there is another reason why both Verstappen and Horner should feel special about securing the 2022 title in Japan.

Max Verstappen emulates Ayrton Senna by clinching his World Championship at Suzuka with Honda

If we compare Max Verstappen to the late great Ayrton Senna, we’ll see that he has more in common with the Brazilian than just pure talent and aggression on track. For starters, both drivers have shared a special bond with Honda. And both of them have now reached the zenith of Formula 1 in the backyard of the Japanese manufacturer.

Remember 1990? Ayrton Senna won the championship that year at Suzuka. And he won all his titles with Honda. Today at the Japanese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen clinched his World Title in Japan with a rebranded “Honda” engine in the back of his RB18.

Even Horner acknowledged this. “The team has done a great job, it’s fantastic to win with Honda in Japan. I am very grateful for what the team has done, as well as the support from the fans here and everywhere. Everything had to come together, and it worked.”

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Is the comparison between Max Verstappen and Ayrton Senna fair?