, especially four or five races ago,” he explained, acknowledging the steep task ahead. Despite the daunting odds, the Dutch driver remains optimistic.
Championship Contender with a Cautionary Approach
“With the results that we have it looks like we are back into it,” Verstappen stated, highlighting his current position in the championship standings. However, he quickly added a crucial caveat: “At the same time, I also know that everything needs to go perfect to the end.” This sentiment echoes his past experiences, which included dominant performances but now requires more consistency.
Verstappen’s history of previous championship-winning runs serves as both an encouragement and a reminder. “But having said that, we have done it before,” he reflected. “Even though, of course, when we have done it before we were way more dominant, I would say.” His focus is on the present rather than past glory, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement.
Challenges and the Role of Luck
In discussing potential obstacles to his title bid, Verstappen identified “bad luck” as a significant threat. He listed several scenarios that could disrupt his championship hopes: crashes, punctures, untimely Safety Car interventions, illnesses, or even minor accidents like slipping in the shower. Despite acknowledging these risks, he remains positive and focused on performing well.
“You can have a crash, you can get hit, you can have a puncture,” Verstappen elaborated. “You can have an untimely Safety Car, you can get sick, you can slip in the shower, you break your leg.” He emphasized that while these situations are unpredictable, his approach is to manage what he can control and hope for favorable outcomes.
Less Pressure Due to Previous Titles
In contrast to his rivals Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who have yet to secure a championship, Verstappen feels less pressure. “I always said that, if you win it, great, right? It’s always great to add another title to it,” he noted. However, the responsibility of performing at a high level remains significant for him.
“But at the same time, I don’t need to, in a sense.
So that takes a lot of pressure away,” Verstappen explained. “But I also know for myself that when I sit in the car, I will always maximise everything that I have.” His approach is balanced between acknowledging the importance of winning and maintaining his competitive edge.
As the season concludes with five races left, all eyes are on Max Verstappen as he aims to overcome the challenges and achieve a historic championship victory. The upcoming races in Mexico will be pivotal in determining whether his renewed confidence can translate into consistent success.
