Max Verstappen has become accustomed to securing race victories by significant margins over the past couple of years, with both himself and Red Bull consistently outpacing their rivals on the grid.
Having endured years of hard-fought battles for victory until the end of 2021, where his Red Bull car was never clearly superior to others, the dominance of the Red Bull/Verstappen combination has been striking since the implementation of ground effect regulations.
Verstappen, who has triumphed in 38 of the last 50 Grands Prix, shared his perspective on ideal race wins during an interview with Sky F1 at the Miami Grand Prix weekend. When asked if he preferred intense, wheel-to-wheel duels with equally matched competitors or commanding victories with substantial leads, Verstappen responded with a smile, “At least 20 seconds!”
Reflecting on his extensive experience in close combat racing, Verstappen expressed a preference for victories where the team optimally executes their strategy, ensuring a comfortable lead. However, he acknowledged that such wins might not resonate with fans, but emphasized his primary goal of winning and creating personal success.
Amidst speculations about his future in Formula 1, particularly regarding his tenure with Red Bull until 2028, Verstappen revealed that he no longer harbors specific goals in the sport. Instead, he focuses on maintaining his current position and striving for further success, having already achieved his desired milestones.
Verstappen also expressed his interest in exploring other prestigious racing events outside of Formula 1, such as the Le Mans 24 Hours, while acknowledging the challenges of securing an eighth world championship title to become the most successful driver in F1 history.
Despite facing setbacks in the 2024 season, Verstappen’s determination remains evident, as he continues to strive for excellence and admits to being irked by defeats, signaling his enduring passion for the sport and commitment to success.
