To many Formula 1 fans around the world, Ayrton Senna is considered the greatest driver in the sport’s history.
Beginning his career with Toleman in 1984, the Brazilian went on to have one of the most historic careers F1 has ever seen, claiming 41 wins and 80 podiums with Lotus and McLaren.
Senna won his three world championships with the latter in 1988, 1990 and 1991, stunning the world with his incredible driving ability and speed, as well as his fierce rivalry with four-time champion Alain Prost.
Nicknamed ‘Rain Master’ for how he could command his car in wet weather conditions, very few drivers have been able to match or beat what Senna has achieved.
But according to Michael Bleekemolen, F1 has found the next Senna ‘without us all realising it’.
Max Verstappen became the next Ayrton Senna ‘without us all realising it’
In 2024, Max Verstappen became only the sixth driver in F1 history to win four world championships as he beat Lando Norris to the title by 63 points to grab his fourth consecutive crown.
| Position | Drivers’ Championship | Points |
| 1 |
Max Verstappen |
437 |
| 2 |
Lando Norris |
374 |
| 3 |
Charles Leclerc |
356 |
| 4 |
Oscar Piastri |
292 |
| 5 |
Carlos Sainz Jr |
290 |
| 6 |
George Russell |
245 |
| 7 |
Lewis Hamilton |
223 |
| 8 |
Sergio Perez |
152 |
| 9 |
Fernando Alonso |
70 |
| 10 |
Pierre Gasly |
42 |
The Dutchman claimed his first championship in 2021 after a dramatic battle with Lewis Hamilton ended in controversial fashion on the last lap in Abu Dhabi. Since then, Verstappen has been dominant in the ground effect era at Red Bull, winning 15 races in 2022 and an incredible 19 out of 22 races the following year.
The 2024 season was not as dominant as Red Bull suffered a dip in pace as their rivals caught up on track. Nevertheless, Verstappen was still able to extract the best he could out of the car and grabbed nine wins across the year.
Verstappen broke records in 2024, including matching Senna’s feat of most consecutive pole positions. Speaking on the RacingNews365 YouTube channel, Bleekemolen says the ‘special’ 27-year-old became the next Senna without anyone really realising it.
“I think that’s what’s special was of course the first time (2021) and without us all realising it we have a kind of Senna because it is special that we have someone become world champion four times and a Dutchman at that.
“I do not know if this is the most special (2024), but the first time was of course unique how it went with the last lap with Hamilton, so that was the best.”
Will Max Verstappen see out his Red Bull contract?
As F1 heads into the 2025 season, there will be pressure on Verstappen to keep up his performance considering that Red Bull no longer have the fastest car.
There will also be pressure on the team to deliver as they will bring their own power unit in collaboration with Ford when the new technical regulations come into effect in 2026.
READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend
The uncertainty surrounding the engine’s performance has led many to speculate whether the Dutchman could leave Red Bull. Verstappen is contracted until 2028, but supposed clauses in his deal could allow him to depart early.
Robert Doornbos thinks 2025 will be Verstappen’s last at Red Bull as he says the 27-year-old will want to be with a ‘major manufacturer’ rather than a team that is just starting out with their own engine.
Verstappen has been heavily linked with Mercedes as rumours swirl about his future with Red Bull. With George Russell out of contract in 2025, the Dutchman could reignite previous talks and make an incredible move happen if he is dissatisfied in Milton Keynes.
