Max Verstappen insists he hasn’t changed at all despite being in the dominant position of Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton in F1.
Reigning F1 World Champion Max Verstappen is on the run for a second straight drivers’ title, cementing his place among the 15 highest-paid athletes in the world.
But 24-year-old Max Verstappen says it’s not fueling his ego.
“I’m busy with work and I’m living my life otherwise,” Verstappen told Sporza Sportweekend.
“I feel comfortable in who I am. Other than that, I don’t really think about who I am.”
“I focus on what I need to focus on to perform and otherwise live a relaxed life.”
Despite that stance, Max Verstappen is well aware of the kind of hype he creates on the F1 circuit and the wider sporting world.
“Of course sometimes I feel that I already have experience in this sport, but I try to keep it as low as possible,” said Verstappen.
“Some things are just a fraction, but I think the best thing is to get in the car and do your own thing.”
Verstappen also says he doesn’t dream of a career in his 40s like Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso.
“I think in the end it will only last 10 to 15 years like this and then I will stop,” Verstappen said.
“I started racing very young and I don’t think I’m racing at 40.”
“I hope they leave me alone after that,” laughed Max Verstappen.
If you don’t want to win, you can open a way to quit earlier.
“Without that, there is no motivation to race,” said Verstappen.
“At the end of the day, winning is the most important thing. It’s about crossing the line first and that comes at a high price.”
Max Verstappen also has his eye on some of the most intense rivalries facing sportsmen, such as the head-to-head battle between Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton in 2021.
“In general, I get along well with everyone. On track you always have to be respectful, but I want to beat everyone,” said Verstappen.
Finally, Max Verstappen won a hard-won battle, but insists nothing else has changed for him.
“Not really,” said Max Verstappen.
“My biggest goal has already been achieved and it gives me peace of mind.”
“I still like to win, but if you don’t win you have to be able to put things in perspective. Ultimately you have to analyze why you lost, that’s the most important thing.”
Max Verstappen won the Dutch Grand Prix last weekend in a helmet livery that pays tribute to his famous father Jos Verstappen.
“I used to travel a lot with my father, and at the time he was quite strict with me,” recalls Max Verstappen.
“Some people can’t handle it, but I needed it.”
“I have a lot of confidence now because of that, and I know that I can always get better.”
Category: F1 / Max Verstappen / red bull