Verstappen Stays in Title Hunt, Credits Broad Racing Experience for Gains
ABU DHABI, UAE – Max Verstappen heads into the final race of the Formula 1 season with a surprising chance too secure the championship, despite a challenging mid-season that saw him trailing in the points standings. The Red Bull driver expressed his astonishment at remaining in contention, acknowledging a remarkable recovery that has brought the title battle down to the wire.
Verstappen’s unexpected resurgence has disrupted the expected dominance of rivals, creating a three-way fight for the championship that includes McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. While acknowledging the intensity of this season, verstappen clarified that, should he win, it wouldn’t be his most satisfying championship. He points to his record-breaking 2023 season – winning 19 of 22 races – as his most fulfilling achievement to date.
“Normally, when you’re that far down – and of course also up until that point, it was just going up, up, up – there’s no real clue that we could turn it around or at least close that gap drastically,” Verstappen explained.”But we did, and that’s something that we’re very proud of. And I’m happy to be in that fight until the end. It also keeps it exciting, I guess, for everyone that it is indeed not only between the two drivers of one team. That’s always better when there is another team involved.”
Despite a season he describes as “really good, probably my best,” Verstappen admits to periods of frustration stemming from performance deficits. He attributes his ability to extract results even from less-than-ideal weekends to a relentless pursuit of self-improvement and a broader racing skillset.
“You always try to improve as a driver,you try to be more all-round,” Verstappen stated. “I’ve dragged some results out of it that probably weren’t realistic or possible in some weekends, so yeah, I’ve been happy.”
Verstappen actively seeks to refine his skills by studying car dynamics, analyzing his own performance, and gaining experience in diverse racing disciplines. He highlighted his participation in races featuring “a lot of diffrent cars,” believing this varied experience ultimately benefits his formula 1 performance. “I don’t think it hurts you, racing in F1,” he said. “So, yeah, just trying to make yourself a bit more of a complete driver, a bit more all-round.”
The outcome of the final race will determine whether Verstappen can add another championship to his tally, capping off a season marked by both adversity and impressive resilience.
