Max Verstappen takes great satisfaction from the positive turnaround he and the Red Bull Racing team achieved last season. After a challenging first half of the season, Verstappen remained in the fight for the world title until the final race due to the team’s sporting resurgence. “The fact that we managed to turn things around this season is, of course, satisfying and can be seen as a wonderful journey,” he says.
– This season must have been quite challenging for you. Was it enjoyable in its own way, perhaps even more so than 2023, when you won 19 out of 22 races?
“No, not at all. 2023 was much more enjoyable. Much better. There were many races this season that were worthless. But these kinds of fluctuations are part of Formula 1, you know. The fact that we managed to turn things around this season is, on one hand, satisfying and can perhaps be seen as a wonderful journey. On the other hand, it also led to many frustrating moments. So no, give me 2023 any day.”
‘The Hunger Always Remains’
Does this past season give you a certain sense of satisfaction?
“You know, it’s not about satisfaction for me. I know I can do it. I’ve already proven that. It’s not as if this year was more of a struggle for me or the team than in 2023, for example. That’s a misconception. When I won 19 out of 22 races, I always gave it my all. Everyone thought it was very easy because it perhaps looked easy. But it looked so easy because I always gave everything and tried to get the maximum out of it. Just like I tried this season. Only, well, the car was simply not as good this season. But my personal intensity is always the same. The hunger always remains.”
