The 2023 Formula 1 season so far has witnessed the continued dominance of Max Verstappen.
As Red Bull Racing assert their authority having won all eight races, Verstappen is on four-in-a-row after Canada.
With the Dutchman already holding a 69-point lead, can anyone stop his relentless assault on a third World title?
Verstappen monopoly
Verstappen’s ascension in Formula 1 has continued to create headlines.
Since his debut back in 2015, the same raw talent has been honed as a driver now without doubt the top dog in F1.
Portraying a more mature race craft to challenge the status quo, both Verstappen and the Milton Keynes outfit appear unstoppable.
Chasing pack
Of the pursuing band, Aston Martin and a resurgent Fernando Alonso have proved there is potential to break up the 100% record of Red Bull.
Mercedes, meanwhile, remain in transition but are beginning show their hand with the return of James Allison as Technical Director.
Even Lewis Hamilton has shown signs of a return to past glories.
With major upgrades elevating not only the car but the morale of the team, the results may come sooner rather than later.
For the many that argue F1 has returned to its days a pure procession, behind the two leading drivers the competition is percolating.
Reliability issues remain of course, and weather will be on hand to throw the spectre of the unpredictable into the mix.
Verstappen is not immune to these elements.
Possible season twist?
So is this season’s title race hurtling toward a foregone conclusion?
If Alonso and Mercedes do find their respective hats and toss them into the ring, Ferrari also linger.
Despite the huge cushion Verstappen has built, the half-way mark this term is yet to be reached, with a summer break also.
There could yet be a twist in the offing.
Watch this space.
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