Verstappen isn’t pressured: “I go race by race” in F1

Verstappen Remains Firm: “I Take It Race by Race”

The defending Formula 1 champion, Max Verstappen, has adopted a cautious stance regarding speculation about his possible conquest of a new title. The driver, after his recent consecutive victories in Monza and Baku, prefers to focus on each individual race, downplaying projections about the championship. The discussion about Verstappen’s possibilities intensified after the driver’s good performance; even McLaren’s boss, Andrea Stella, has acknowledged his presence in the fight for the title. The topic generated debate during the press conference prior to the Singapore Grand Prix, where Verstappen’s rivals were asked about the chances of the driver achieving his fifth championship.

“There’s a possibility, so more than zero,” commented Lando Norris, who is 25 points behind his McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, and 44 behind Verstappen.

Lando Norris

George Russell, Mercedes driver, joked with Norris, stating that the probability was “100%”. Charles Leclerc, from Ferrari, estimated the probability at 20%. When Verstappen was asked the same question, he replied with a smile.

“50%, because I do it or I don’t do it,” said Verstappen.

Max Verstappen

Verstappen has reduced 35 points to Piastri in the last two races. Piastri had an accident in Baku, while Norris failed to capitalize, finishing in a discreet seventh position. Verstappen’s victories seem to confirm Red Bull’s progress since the update in Monza. However, the Singapore Grand Prix, with its high aerodynamic load, will be a crucial test to determine if the car can compete with McLaren in the upcoming events. The champion downplayed the speculation about the championship.

“For my part, honestly, I see it as a race-by-race thing. Sixty-nine points is still a lot, especially if you look at how the season has gone so far,” Verstappen stated.

Max Verstappen

Verstappen added that he doesn’t feel pressured and that he enjoys his work.

“McLaren has been incredibly dominant, that doesn’t change suddenly. So, for my part, I’m not stressed about anything. I just enjoy what I do, I have fun outside of it, I have fun and I try to give my best every time I get in the car,” he pointed out.

Max Verstappen

Verstappen also commented that his approach will not change for the moment.

“There’s really nothing to lose. As a team, we approach it like that. We try to give our best, be more competitive, and hopefully confirm that the direction we took with the car is more competitive, also on a track like this, and that’s what we hope will happen,” said Verstappen.

Max Verstappen

When asked if the discussion around his performance demonstrates his good driving level this year, Verstappen replied that perhaps.

“Of course, sometimes it was a bit more difficult to demonstrate mid-season, but I think every time you progress as a driver every year, you want to be better or at least similar to what you have achieved in the past, and I think we are doing that,” he added.

Max Verstappen

The news continues…