Max Verstappen said his latest world championship victory is his best so far after clinching the title for the third time in Qatar.
The Red Bull driver secured his third title in a row with six grands prix left to run when his team mate crashed out of today’s sprint race at Losail International Circuit.Verstappen has dominated the 2023 season to an extent seldom seen in previous years, winning 13 of the 16 grands prix to date. “This one is the best one,” he said after today’s race.
“I think the first one was the most emotional one, because that’s when your dreams are fulfilled in F1. But this one has definitely been my best year for consecutive wins and stuff like that, the car itself has been probably in the best shape as well.
“So for me, this one is probably the one I’m the most proud of in a way, because of the consistency.”
He is the 11th driver to win three world championships. Reflecting on his achievement for the first time Verstappen admitted “it sounds great.”
“It’s something, of course, I never even really dreamt of,” he said. “It’s a very proud moment for myself, for my family, my close family. I think everyone within the team I’m working with to be able to experience all of this together it’s amazing.
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“I said it on the radio already on the in-lap: we talk about performance and you can always thank the team for that. But I also find the whole atmosphere and how much I enjoy working with all these people, I find that probably even more important, and it’s very important to come to the track and know that you have nice people to work with.”
Verstappen made his Formula 1 debut in 2015 at the age of just 17. He said the experience he’s gained since then has helped him raise his performance to a higher level.
“I keep trying to improve,” he said. “Of course I don’t necessarily think I’ve become a faster driver but you have a lot more experience in the car, you grow as a driver, you grow also I think as a person in life.
“I think all these kind of things, when I compare to my first season in Formula 1, they help you a lot in terms of just dealing with every kind of pressure situation throughout the weekend. Everything that might be thrown at you in difficult conditions, for example. At the end, it’s all about trying to deliver every single weekend, which is, I think, very hard in Formula 1.”
Sprint races were only introduced to Formula 1 two years ago, and this is the first time a driver has clinched a world championship in one on the day before a grand prix. Verstappen said he doesn’t intend to let his title celebrations or the knowledge the championship is decided detract from his performance tomorrow.
“It’s going to be the same tomorrow,” he said. “When I go to the next race, I’ll try to win again because we have a great car, I know that people around us are catching up maybe a little bit
“So it’s becomes quite tight, but the mindset is pretty much the same. It’s not like suddenly you go more risky or in any kind of battle. I think I’m quite happy with what I’m doing at the moment.”
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2023 Qatar Grand Prix
- Albon fears Qatar GP conditions risked creating dangerous “wet bulb effect”
- Alonso: New-spec fireproofs and pre-race anthem timing made Qatar heat worse
- Magnussen admits he took “too long to learn” Losail circuit
- Analysis: Sargeant’s Qatar radio reveals his painful struggle to end point-less run
- Alfa Romeo ‘finally understand their upgrade’ Bottas believes as team target Williams
Zann (@zann)
7th October 2023, 21:21
It is his best isn’t it. And is he getting more likeable? Probably, tho I thought GP was having to get fairly fierce with him at some points when his massive stubborn streak was coming out
Lando
7th October 2023, 22:29
Well this streak has got him so far I guess, so congrats to Max and RB hats of to them!
Sam
7th October 2023, 22:43
Really not a fan of the guy but I feel he has all the qualities of the best plus that bit extra consistency. I seem to remember Schumacher, Alonso and Hamilton having slightly more off days during the years they competed for championships.
Esploratore (@esploratore1)
8th October 2023, 5:57
Yes, think so as well, though alonso 2006 for example I don’t recall any mistake that ended up losing him points, and the 2 races where he retired (monza and hungary) it was due to an engine issue and a wrongly fit wheel at the pit stop respectively.
Maxi Pad
8th October 2023, 4:48
Translation – “Finally, I have a title that’s not due to FIA cheating or RedBull cheating… thank god”.
CP
8th October 2023, 11:57
Frankly that car is based off a model which they overspent on in year one so could chill earlier than others and develop the 2nd year car…..its a knock on effect.
Redbull are cheats and it’s a shame Max drives for them as he is a generational talent. He doesn’t need to stoop to the cheats level.
paulguitar (@paulguitar)
8th October 2023, 7:50
Well, he’s right. The 2021 title was a farce due to the disgraceful circumstances in which it was won, and last year was rather sullied by the ‘catering’ overspending.
This season Verstappen has been superb, albeit with a colossal car advantage.
Ferdinand
8th October 2023, 9:31
I do not think that he is referring to ceremony, but rather achievement.
Dave
11th October 2023, 8:32
Too bad Max didn’t win his 1st Championship honestly. Yes, it SHOULD make a difference. But, then, again, all the FIA cares about is “the show” and how it is administered is irrelevant. It makes no difference whether or not the rules were followed, does it? Apparently not. I truly believe the FIA is populated by bigots, liars and those willing to subvert the rules to get their own way.