Verstappen under increasing pressure: 'That's the difference from before'
Red Bull Content Pool
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Max Verstappen has spoken out to Mundo Deportivo about the increased pressure on his shoulders. According to the Dutchman, his world championships have not reduced the pressure.
Max Verstappen was quickly regarded as a huge talent in Formula 1. After his first win in 2016, things moved quickly for Verstappen, although he had to wait until 2021 for his first chance at the world title. Although Verstappen is very relaxed in life, he also confirms that the pressure did increase over the years.
Verstappen under increasing pressure
Asked if he needs to work on the mental aspect of always having to win, Verstappen says: "Yes, of course I do. You start winning races, and then people naturally look at you. There is then more pressure not to make mistakes. That only gets more when you become world champion. Then you have to try to emulate that and win the title again."
"You can't make many mistakes, you have to be careful and rely more on experience. Compared to my first season in Formula 1, I have a lot more experience now. I think that's the biggest difference from the Verstappen of the early days. The natural speed has always been there, but now I can rely more on my experience to know when to push and when not to push. When I should take the points and be content with that, or when I can take more risk in the race."
That has worked out well for Verstappen in recent years. Since his first win in 2016, Verstappen went on to win 60 more Grands Prix. In 2021, 2022 and 2023, Verstappen also managed to take the world title, and in 2024 he is once again at the top of the world championship. A fourth title is within reach.