Sebastian Vettel reveals Max Verstappen texts over major F1 record

Sebastian Vettel has revealed he was in regular contact with Max Verstappen when the Dutchman was enjoying a dominant 2023 campaign.

Verstappen cruised to his third F1 title with Red Bull two years ago, winning 19 of the 22 grands prix.

Verstappen also managed to set a significant benchmark as his winning streak from Miami to Italy set a new record for the most consecutive race wins in F1 history at 10.

The record was previously held by Vettel who won nine in a row to close out his final title-winning campaign in 2013.

Vettel, who retired from F1 after the 2022 season, recalled text message conversations he had with Verstappen as he pushed towards making the record his own.

“I was in contact with him when he was on the brink of breaking the record with the most wins after each other,” Vettel told BBC Sportsworld.

“I was at nine, then he equalled and I told him, ‘You're better than me. I'm sure you’ll pip me'. He said ‘I'm not sure, I'm not sure’.

“And then he did 10.”

Verstappen has endured a more difficult start to the current campaign, with Red Bull trailing McLaren in pace and performance.

However, Vettel is adamant 27-year-old cannot be counted out when it comes to challenging for the title.

“I'm pretty sure he can do it. If anyone can do it, he can do it as well with the championships in Red Bull,” Vettel said.

“We will see. But to me, at this stage, it’s just exciting to watch."