Domain numbers
Max Verstappen's 2022 was simply dominant. 12 wins and 366 points in 18 races they allowed him to win the title with 4 Grands Prix still to be contested. Only Schumacher and in 2002 mansell in 1992 they did better, being crowned with 6 and 5 rounds to go respectively.
The statistics, however, don't give an idea of the Dutchman's greatness. The previously mentioned Schumacher and Mansell, as well as other recent legends of the caliber of Hamilton and Vettel, have managed to take home the world championship before the end of the year also thanks to the superiority of their car.
The RB18, on the other hand, has always been at the same level (if not even worse) than the F1-75 with which the scepter was fought over, as evidenced by the 6 poles that Verstappen and Perez have accumulated compared to 11 by Leclerc and Sainz. Statistically, a Red has started from the post in 61.1% of matches this season.
A more calculating Verstappen
So what allowed Verstappen to win the world championship? Leaving aside Ferrari's mistakes, what made the MV1 make the leap in quality was the change of mentality compared to past years. Because Ferrari made mistakes many times, but the fact that there was always the same driver to take advantage of it is no coincidence.
The overly aggressive driving of recent seasons (which in any case allowed him to win several races and his first laurel) has given way to a more conservative mindset, with which the native of Hasselt was able seize the maximum result even in the darkest days.
If until recently Verstappen lost his head over nothing, in 2022 the world champion was much more computer and he has always measured well the percentage of risk inherent in carrying out a certain manoeuvre. Those who compared him to Senna now have to adjust their shot, because the 2022 Max looks more like Cheers.
Sure, the car played its part, also because the old Verstappen's "it's now or never" attitude was partly due to the lack of competitiveness of the vehicle. This, therefore, pushed him to grab the few tempting opportunities that presented themselves as if there was no tomorrow.
However, when the vehicle improves, the driver does not necessarily do so too. Verstappen was good at changing his nature. The lion that previously terrorized half the paddock (it's no coincidence that the official F1 channel made a video with all of his accidents four years ago) has now truly become the king of the savannah.
