Verstappen: It's crazy to have achieved 16 wins

But later in the week, the reality of the unbelievable-until-now number sank in for Verstappen: " It's crazy to have achieved 16 wins so far this season, after last year I didn't think it would be possible to replicate that."

And F1 records and achievements have been a constant for him. Max’s victory at the Mexico City GP was the 51st of his F1 career, matching the career total of four-time World Champion Alain Prost, tying him for fourth on the all-time win list.

Another podium finish in 2023 will see Max break his record for the most podiums in a single season, 18, which he set in his first title-winning season in 2021. Notably, the 2022 Sao Paulo Grand Prix was the last time Verstappen finished outside the top five in any race.

With Sao Paulo hosting the final Sprint Rsce weekend of the season it's worth noting that with his six wins in 11 events, he is the most successful driver in Sprint history.

Indeed it is another chapter in a remarkable season for him, the most dominant ever by an F1 driver who is relishing the prospect of winning even more.

He said in the RBR preview of the race weekend at Autodromo José Carlos Pace: "Looking ahead to Brazil, it's the final race of a triple header and the last Sprint race of the season. Coming off of a good race in Mexico we are confident going into this weekend but need to keep our focus.

"It's crazy to have achieved 16 wins so far this season, after last year I didn't think it would be possible to replicate that, so it just shows what an amazing season we’re having. I am appreciative of all of the hard work and effort everyone in the Team is putting in, I'm glad we can show that on track.

"Now the focus is on the 17th win!" declared the triple F1 World Champion.