MILTON KEYNES, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 15: 2021 F1 World Drivers Champion Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing talks to the media at Red Bull Racing Factory on December 15, 2021 in Milton Keynes, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Max Verstappen completes F1 drive on ice as Red Bull driver aims to retain title in 2022
New F1 World Champion Max Verstappen gave fans the first glimpse of the No.1 on his car during an epic Red Bull show run in Austria. Verstappen raced with Austrian ice speedway star Franky Zorn, racing on ice in Red Bull’s 2012 RB8 car.
The new No. 1 was on display, which he switched to from No. 33 after winning his maiden title. “How many times do you get the opportunity to swap?,” said Verstappen after the promotional event. “Number 1 is the best number out there so for me it was very straight-forward to pick the Number 1. Hopefully of course Number 33 doesn’t come back next year.” (h/t RedBull)
He is the first driver to use the No. 1 since Sebastian Vettel in 2014, with Lewis Hamilton having stuck to No. 44 throughout his 7 World Championship wins. Verstappen’s maiden title came in controversial circumstances in Abu Dhabi last year, after overtaking his rival in the last lap. Red Bull also have revealed the date for their all-new 2022 car, which will be on display on 9th February.
Will Verstappen start the season as the favourite?
With a big change in regulations and a new era introduced, the 2022 season will be more exciting than ever. Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton will be aiming to come back stronger after the 2021 debacle. George Russell is the new addition to the team who could bring more energy.
RedBull will continue with their successful pairing of Verstappen and Sergio Perez. Perez had a successful debut season with RedBull and signed a contract extension till 2023. This season will also bring the likes of Ferrari and McLaren closer to the Top 2 teams. The season starts on March 18 in Bahrain at the Sakhir Grand Prix. Dutchman Verstappen also revealed his new helmet design of white and gold ahead of the new season. Mercedes and RedBull are set to go again in 2022 with no love lost from last season.
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