Winning his third Formula 1 title in a row has a very special meaning for Max Verstappen.
“It’s a very proud moment for me, my family and the team,” said the Dutchman after his triumph in Qatar: “This title is the best. The first was the most emotional because all your dreams come true there. But that was it my best year and I’m particularly proud of my consistency.”
The 26-year-old drove his Red Bull to second place in the sprint race at the Lusail International Circuit and with six Grand Prix still to go, he can no longer be pushed out of the lead. Because his closest pursuer and teammate Sergio Pérez dropped out during the sprint, his own position didn’t matter. “I don’t know how long this will go on, so I’m enjoying it a lot and living in the moment,” said Verstappen about his successful streak: “I’ve already achieved more than I ever thought.”
Verstappen wants to win
The now three-time champion didn’t have much time for a big party, because the Qatar Grand Prix is already on the program today (7 p.m./Sky) – and Verstappen wants to win that too. He starts the race from pole position and can claim his 14th win of the season. “My mindset stays the same. I want to win as much as I can,” said Verstappen at his world championship press conference. The team wanted to celebrate until 2 a.m., and the champion announced that he would drink “a few sparkling waters.”
Verstappen was only the fifth driver in Formula 1 to win three world championship titles in a row. How many more are coming now? “I’m still very young, I still have many good years left in me to be at the best level. It’s more about how long I want to be here,” said Verstappen.
However, he currently has no thoughts of quitting anytime soon. “I’m always trying to improve. I don’t think I’m becoming a faster driver, but you grow as a driver and a person,” he said.
