MAX VERSTAPPEN could make it five consecutive F1 world titles this Sunday in the final race of the season.
And if he does manage to achieve the feat, it could arguably be his greatest yet.
Max Verstappen could win his fifth World Championship title this weekendCredit: Getty
Hannah Schmitz is the woman behind his fightbackCredit: Getty
That’s because just three months ago, he was 104 points adrift of the Championship lead.
While duo and battled for the title between themselves, superstar began rapidly adding to his points total.
And now, ahead of the final race weekend of the year, he sits just 12 points behind Drivers’ Championship leader Norris.
Verstappen has repeatedly proved that he still has the mentality and ability to deliver in the most important moments.
But the Red Bull Chief Strategy Officer, Hannah Schmitz, will also play a significant role.
The 40-year-old has been hugely influential throughout his title charge.
She was even described as his “secret weapon” by Dutch outlet HLN recently.
Schmitz began her career at Red Bull working on the simulator in 2009 after graduating from Cambridge with a Masters degree in engineering.
She was then promoted to strategist within two years before being elevated in 2021 to her current position.
With Head of Race Strategy Will Courtenay set to leave the team next year, Schmitz has been backed to take his place.
Before leaving Red Bull, former team principal backed her to continue moving up in the sport.
He said: “It gives an opportunity for Hannah to move up, which, if she hadn’t had that opportunity, she’d have been a prime target for somebody.”
Despite the alleged “toxic environment” at Red Bull amid in the summer, Schmitz has continued to thrive.
HLN also reported that she takes just “two to four seconds” to make a big decision when a safety car is deployed during a race.
That was seen on Sunday when McLaren chose not to pit Norris and Piastri, which saw the drivers finish second and fourth respectively – both behind Verestappen, who did stop.
She later described the decision as a “no brainer” while the Papaya team were left dwelling on their errors.
Schmitz also went onto the podium to accept the constructors’ trophy after the race.
The Red Bull Chief Strategy Officer said on the team podcast: “Every possible scenario is planned in advance, down to the last detail.
“That’s how I am in my private life too: when we go on a trip, everything is meticulously prepared in advance, and the suitcase is packed long before we even leave the house.
“The secret to adapting quickly is not to fixate on what you’ve planned beforehand. Always be open to adjustments.”
She also admitted that can be “quite a man’s world,” but said: “I hope I can be an example for women.”
Hannah Schmitz joined Verstappen on the podium after the Qatar Grand PrixCredit: Getty
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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