Max Verstappen’s Formula 1 career has been defined by his aggressive, no-holds-barred approach to racing, often pushing his rivals to their breaking points. Yet, off the track, the Red Bull driver shows a different side, regularly seen socializing with those same competitors once the helmet comes off.
This duality in Verstappen’s personality has made him something of a puzzle within the F1 paddock. However, for the 27-year-old, it’s all straightforward. In an interview with RacingNews365, Verstappen revealed how he effortlessly switches between being a fierce competitor and a relaxed individual when the race ends.
“I can easily switch when we’re not racing. As soon as I leave the track, I focus on other things, like friends and family,” Verstappen said, offering insight into how he separates the intensity of racing from his personal life.
Verstappen credits this mindset for his remarkable success in Formula 1. “We all want to win, and you do everything for that. I hate losing, so when you race, you race to win. That’s how I look at it and live my life. Some appreciate that more than others. That’s why I’m a three-time world champion,” he declared.
The Dutchman’s approach was put to the test this season when McLaren’s Lando Norris emerged as a serious championship challenger for the first time in Verstappen’s career. Their rivalry was intense, culminating in a heated battle for the lead at the Austrian Grand Prix. After the race, Norris openly stated that a lack of an apology from Verstappen would cost him his respect.
Despite the tension, Verstappen’s dominance continued, with the Red Bull driver pulling away in the standings. After his victory in Brazil, he now stands on the brink of securing his fourth championship, with the Las Vegas GP next up.
However, behind the scenes, the rivalry between Verstappen and Norris is not so easily resolved. Norris spoke to Formula1.com about the ongoing challenges in maintaining their relationship off the track.
“For now, I still respect Max, I think he respects me, but maybe ask me again at the end of the year,” Norris admitted, acknowledging the difficulty of balancing personal respect with the fierce competition between them.
As the season continues, Verstappen’s ability to separate rivalry from friendship remains a testament to his mentality, one that has carried him to the pinnacle of the sport.
