Red Bull Content Pool
F1 News
A relaxed Verstappen was still sharp in London
Max Verstappen was rested and ready for battle in London. Although the Dutchman is not a fan of media sessions prior to on-track action, he looked a lot more at ease than he did at the end of 2024.
That Max Verstappen was not looking forward to the F1 75 event in London was no secret. The Dutchman was there, though, and sat relaxed during the media session ahead of the event. Red Bull Racing was the only team that chose to have the drivers be interviewed separately, allowing more time for in-depth interviews.
This gave the Dutch media, including GPblog, the chance to ask Verstappen about McLaren's favorite label. ''Of course, they had a very strong season. If you know what you are doing, you should have another strong season now too.''
With that down-to-earth attitude from Verstappen, he also analysed Lando Norris' statements, who moments ago had indicated he could handle pressure well. Verstappen did not want to attack his friend and therefore seemed to be clearly trying to hold back. Speaking about his own performance in 2024, he did say: ''I am happy with how I performed last year. That's clear, yes.''
How Verstappen looks ahead to 2025
There is little to say about 2025 yet, according to the four-time world champion. Right now, anyone can still become champion, the Dutchman stated with a grin. ''I don't have that much to say to be honest. I don't know, myself, at the moment, of course.''
''That's why I prefer not to say that much and it's just living relaxed towards the season. I know that when I am in the car I will always do my best. When you've driven for 10 seasons, you don't always have to be on. You know when you can be off and on.''
For Verstappen, the worst was yet to come. During F1 75, the Dutchman was booed several times by the London crowd. Every time the Dutchman came on screen, the boos grew louder, but fortunately Max did not have to say a word on the stage. Christian Horner did, who was also booed en masse by the audience present at the event.
This article was written in collaboration with Norberto Mujica.
Want more Formula 1? Then follow GPblog on our various social media channels too!