Verstappen does not see fast RB16B as a reward: "This is a must"

Max Verstappen finally has a car with which he can fight for the world title in 2021. The Dutchman's loyalty has finally been rewarded, although he does not see it that way himself.

Verstappen made his debut in Formula 1 in 2015, and after just over a year he got his chance at Red Bull Racing. On his debut for this top team, he won immediately, and so the chance to become the youngest world champion ever was already being looked at. But five years on, Verstappen is still no world champion.

It hasn't been his fault during that period. Verstappen is with a top team, but Mercedes has had a grip on Formula 1 since 2014. Other teams were sometimes allowed to win a race or stand on the podium, but all titles went to the Germans. There were reportedly clauses in Verstappen's contract to leave, but it stayed.

That confidence from Verstappen now seems to be finally paying off, with a car that can compete for the world title. ''But it doesn't really feel like a reward. This is a must, fighting for wins. Of course I've been waiting for that for a long time,'' Verstappen told De Telegraaf.

In 2021, the title fight seems to be between Mercedes and Red Bull Racing, and Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen are the designated men to do the job for their team. So it won't be an easy task for Max, but he won't shy away from it. ''I'm definitely in a place that's good for me at the moment,'' concludes the Red Bull driver.