Verstappen (motorsportweek.com)
Max Verstappen, the newly crowned three-time World Champion, shares his perspective on competing in Formula 1, his continued drive to improve, and also reflects on his memorable victories in the past season.
Max Verstappen secured his third Formula 1 World Championship in Qatar, making it the joint earliest title win in F1 history during a dominant year for Red Bull. While competition is a core element of the sport, Verstappen insists that he doesn’t need external or internal competition to bring out the best in himself. He places immense pressure on himself to perform at the highest level, which is what he genuinely enjoys.
Verstappen believes that his growth as a driver comes from his increasing experience in the sport. He acknowledges that he may not necessarily be a faster driver now, but he has grown as a driver and as a person. Working under pressure, adapting to difficult conditions, and consistently delivering are crucial aspects of his improvement.
When asked about his most significant victories in the 2023 season, Verstappen mentioned his remarkable recovery drives in Miami and Belgium. He also highlighted his wins in changeable conditions at Zandvoort and the Dutch Grand Prix. The victory at Suzuka, where Red Bull secured the Constructors’ Championship, was another memorable moment for him.
Even though he has secured the championship, Verstappen maintains his competitive spirit and continues to aim for victory in the remaining races. He doesn’t plan to adopt a more relaxed approach despite having an unassailable lead.
With his third championship title, Verstappen joins a prestigious group of three-time champions in Formula 1. He is now only one win away from reaching 50 career victories, and he could surpass Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel on the all-time list before 2024.
At the age of 26, Verstappen believed his achievements depend on the competitiveness of his team and the quality of the package they provide. He believes he has many more years ahead to operate at his best and mentions that his future in the sport will depend on how long he wants to stay.