Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, two titans of modern-day F1, engaged in a gripping championship battle throughout the 2021 season. Equal on points heading into the season finale, their rivalry reached its boiling point at the Yas Marina Circuit. However, the title decider was marred by controversy, as the FIA’s last-lap shootout decision sparked a debate that continues to simmer in the F1 community even after two years.

However, a recent revelation has ignited fresh flames in the perennial Max Verstappen versus Lewis Hamilton discourse. An unwavering supporter of the Red Bull man has unearthed compelling statistics from the 2021 season, challenging Toto Wolff‘s bold claims about Hamilton’s greatness. As the numbers unfold, it becomes a journey through the highs and lows of a season that culminated in a controversial finale in Abu Dhabi.

Is the Max Verstappen vs Lewis Hamilton debate settled once and for all?

The Formula 1 community is no stranger to passionate debates, and Toto Wolff’s recent assertion about Lewis Hamilton’s unmatched greatness only fueled the fire. The Mercedes Team Principal, unwavering in his belief in Hamilton’s prowess, emphasized that the challenges faced in the 2023 season did not diminish the Brit’s status as one of the greatest drivers in the world.

“From Lewis’ perspective, he had a bad weekend. That is a fact. I think that doesn’t do anything on him being the greatest driver in the world. And if we are able to give him a car, then he will be fighting for a world championship. I have no doubt,“ GP Blog quoted Toto Wolff. However, the Orange Army, loyal to the Dutchman, took it upon themselves to set the record straight. Responding to Autosport’s X post on whether they agreed with Toto Wolff, a fan provided a compelling counterargument backed by statistics from the 2021 season.

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“No. We saw it in 2021 in nearly equal cars, and that was 2 years ago,” the fan responded, laying the groundwork for a statistical showdown. Max Verstappen’s average finishing position in 2021 stood at an impressive 1.84, while Lewis Hamilton lagged slightly at 2.76. Moving on to qualifying performances, Verstappen again emerged as the frontrunner with an average qualifying position of 2.77, while Hamilton trailed at 3.00. The numbers don’t lie, and they paint a vivid picture of Verstappen’s superiority throughout the 2021 season.

The crux of the statistical triumph lies in the number of top-two finishes, a category where Verstappen shone with an astounding 18 out of 19 races. On the flip side, Hamilton managed 16 out of 21. The podium count further cemented Verstappen’s claim to statistical supremacy, with 18 podiums compared to Hamilton’s 17.

Read More: Lewis Hamilton’s Major Concern Backed as Former F1 Team Owner Warns of Max Verstappen’s Unseen Potential

Looking beyond the statistical battlefield, the focus shifts to Toto Wolff’s rallying cry for Mercedes as they face the challenge of breaking Red Bull’s current dominance in the upcoming seasons.

Toto Wolff urges Mercedes to “do a better job” for the sake of Formula 1 fans

Looking ahead to 2024, Wolff acknowledged that waiting until the 2026 rules reset is not an option if Mercedes intends to break Red Bull’s current dominance. In a sport defined by its relentless pursuit of excellence, Wolff urged his team to “do a better job to compete with Red Bull.”

The 2023 season marked a significant setback for Mercedes, going winless for the first time since 2011. Despite attributing the team’s struggles to the unpredictable nature of the W14, Wolff is determined to ensure that Mercedes emerges as a strong title contender in 2024. His commitment extends beyond individual team interests, emphasizing the collective responsibility of all teams to end Red Bull’s dominance for the sake of fans and the sport itself.

“We are growing on social media. We see that races are packed and sold out, but as a matter of fact, it is all around the spectacle, and if the spectacle is not good, our fans are going to follow us less.“ Sports Illustrated quoted Wolff, underlining the symbiotic relationship between the sport’s spectacle and fan engagement.

He acknowledged the need for a captivating show, stating, “What I always say is that I like the honesty in that the spectacle always follows the sport, and the sport is a meritocracy.”

As the Formula 1 community looks ahead to 2024, the burning question remains. Can Mercedes rise to the occasion and challenge Red Bull’s supremacy, or are we destined for a repeat of the dominance we witnessed in 2023? Share your insights in the comments below.

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