Max Verstappen is trying to emulate Michael Schumacher by winning his fifth Formula 1 world championship in a row this year. Schumacher is the only driver ever to achieve that streak.

And Verstappen has demonstrated just how difficult it is to sustain dominance for that long. It’s hard to argue that any driver has performed better than the Dutchman this year – he’s scored 155 of Red Bull’s 162 points.

And yet, he’s still very much an outsider in the title race. Verstappen gained on both McLaren drivers by finishing second at the Canadian Grand Prix but remains 43 points behind leader Oscar Piastri.

Speaking in the post-race press conference, Verstappen played down his chances of eclipsing the ‘extraordinary’ McLaren. He regards them as ‘by far the favourites’ despite a season-low 12-point haul in Montreal.

Max Verstappen has scored more podiums for Red Bull than Michael Schumacher did for Ferrari

Verstappen has now scored 117 Formula 1 podiums, all in Red Bull colours. That’s one more than Michael Schumacher managed during his stint at Ferrari.

Schumacher joined the Scuderia in 1996 and stayed for 10 years, establishing a stranglehold over the sport at the start of the 21st century. The German raced 180 times for the team, meaning his podium rate was exactly 65%.

Verstappen is approaching his 200th appearance for Red Bull (196), so his rate is slightly lower at just under 60%. He’s still 36 podiums behind Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes record.

If the 27-year-old sees out his contract, then he’s likely to eclipse Hamilton, as long as Red Bull remain competitive following the 2026 regulation changes. Verstappen has a get-out clause in his deal based on his championship position, but it would be extremely risky to move before seeing next year’s pecking order.

Besides, George Russell is expected to sign a new deal at Mercedes, closing off the most likely exit route.

Max Verstappen also tied Alain Prost record at the Canadian Grand Prix

Verstappen also equalled Alain Prost by finishing second for the 35th time in his career. Again, it’s Hamilton who leads the way on 57.

The Dutchman won seven of the first 10 Grands Prix in 2024, but he’s only picked up two victories at the same point this season. It’s been a matter of staying in contention and hoping that Red Bull can improve their car.

The Milton Keynes outfit have used every weapon at their disposal to compensate for the limitations of the RB21. Christian Horner protested the result of the Canadian GP, alleging that Russell had committed two infringements under the safety car.

Nothing came of the appeal, but Red Bull saw a slight chance to pick up an extra seven points and they jumped at it.