Max Verstappen Eyes Fourth F1 Title in Vegas

Max Verstappen, on the brink of securing his fourth Formula 1 World Championship reflects on the approach that has driven his success. “To be a champion, you need to be on the limit,” he explains, summing up his mindset. With a race in Las Vegas, Verstappen needs only to finish ahead of Lando Norris or lose no more than two points to the McLaren driver to clinch the title. Verstappen’s 2023 season has been full of challenges.

Red Bull faced internal drama including sexual harassment allegations against team principal Christian Horner and tensions between Verstappen’s father Jos and Horner. Despite these off-track issues, Verstappen dominated early in the season but McLaren emerged as a strong contender later, narrowing Verstappen’s lead. However, a remarkable comeback win from 17th on the grid in Brazil reaffirmed his dominance.

Verstappen’s defensive tactics, particularly against Norris in Austin, sparked controversy. He defended his actions, stating he drives within the rules and would not complain if the roles were reversed. He also defended the racing rules and the defensive tactics that led to changes in the FIA regulations. On the personal side, Verstappen navigated the tension between his father and Horner with maturity, focusing on his performance.

He also addressed the team’s dip in form, explaining that despite struggles, he maintained consistency, preventing Norris from closing the gap. Looking to the future, Max Verstappen remains relaxed about his career. While records like Schumacher’s seven titles are no longer his driving force, he is content with his achievements and enjoys racing on his terms. He doesn’t plan to race into his 40s emphasizing the importance of living life beyond the track.