2023 Dutch Grand Prix: Max Verstappen makes history earning 9th victory in a row

Max Verstappen achieved another record in Formula One victory after winning the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix, Sunday.

While rain created challenging conditions for many of the racers, including one late suspension, the Dutch driver managed to score his ninth consecutive victory, marking the most consecutive wins since Sebastian Vettel set a record in 2013.

The first safety car was called after rookie Williams driver Logan Sargeant collided with the wall for the second time this weekend.

Several teams chose to pit during that incident instead of during the normal race since all cars had to slow down while it was cleared.

Red Bull remained on track for another 1-2 combination with Verstappen leading and Pérez close behind.

There was also some action at the back as some drivers made some entertaining overtakes in the eventful race before rain crept in once again on lap 65.

Thinking it might continue to rain lightly, most drivers pitted for intermediate tires instead of the usual wet tires designed for heavy downpours.

Checo Pérez became the first indication of what was about to happen when he lost control of his RB19, losing his position to Fernando Alonso after quick-gaining control of his car.

He did not hit any safety barriers and only lost time. The first driver to hit the barriers was Alfa Romeo's Zhou Guanyu at the first corner.

A number of other drivers began having trouble staying on track during the heavy rains that forced the FIA to raise a red flag and halt the action until the forecast improved.

Verstappen made an error-free restart after the red flag was raised for about half an hour and was able to leave Fernando Alonso and Sergio Perez in the rear view mirror to earn his ninth victory.

This was yet again another big scoop for him as he move towards securing his inevitable third title as driver champion at the end of the current season.

The top ten were rounded out by Alonso, Gasly, Perez, Sainz, Hamilton, Norris, Albon, Piastri, and Ocon. 

A 75-meter distance separates Circuit Zandvoort from the seafront. A unique layout with many changes in elevation, located near the coast of the North Sea, near the beach town of Zandvoort, the circuit is situated in the dunes between the dunes and the beach.

Drivers are given a roller coaster feeling when navigating the inlaid curves because of the angles on the corners of the banked corners.

Some questioned whether Red Bull intentionally sabotaged Pérez's race so Verstappen would gain an advantage, since historically, it has been common for teams to interfere with their own drivers.

But a closer look at Verstappen's victory’s in his home race really reveals a strong strategy and showing of teamwork, a winning combination to emerge victorious in the Formula One race.

Sergio Pérez was the first driver to gamble on switching to intermediate tires anticipating rain right before water showed up for the first time. His improved traction and faster speeds gave him an advantage over Verstappen and the rest of the grid, resulting in him leading the race comfortably.

It is common for F1 teams to prioritize their leading driver when making decisions about changing tires or evaluating a different strategy.

As the track dried, Verstappen cut large chunks out of the time deficit since his tires were newer than Checo's.

With Red Bull knowing the tracks conditions, they undercut Pérez and ordered Verstappen to box and change into dry tires, giving Verstappen the advantage to pass his teammate and never look back. 

Pérez finished third but was immediately demoted to fourth due to a five-second infraction for speeding in the pitlane after the race restarted which gave Alpine's Pierre Gasly third place behind Verstappen and Alonso. 

Later, Pérez lost control of his vehicle, losing out on his second position and receiving the penalty probably as a result of his frustration. 

The media outlets around the globe have consistently given attention to the fact that Verstappen is the number one driver and have been involved in several controversies concerning the way they favor Verstappen over Sergio.

Spectators are eagerly anticipating whether it will lead to another display of fireworks between the two Red Bull drivers in the future.