Max Verstappen is calmly preparing for the night race in Singapore, the only Grand Prix missing from his current resume. After two consecutive victories, the competition has been warned. “I have a fifty percent chance of becoming world champion: either I become it, or I don’t. It’s that simple.”
Of course, his GT3 performance on the famous Nordschleife last weekend, where Verstappen won with colleague Chris Lulham on his debut, is the first topic of discussion in the usual Thursday media session. The excursion has done the four-time Formula 1 world champion good. “It was two fun days,” Verstappen believes. “We tested in both dry and rainy weather, I gained some extra experience and the victory was a nice bonus. I’ve been doing this (GT3’s) on the simulator for so long, it doesn’t feel any different in reality. This can never hurt.”
After six consecutive race weekends, Verstappen is looking forward to a short break. “It’s good to catch your breath.” How he will participate in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring next year depends on many things, according to him. “With the new rules, I expect the start of the F1 season to be a bit more hectic, with many unknowns. And of course, it depends on which GT3 car we’re going to drive. But if there’s a chance, I’d love to do the 24-hour race.”
For now, he has other matters on his mind, such as his pursuit of World Championship leader Oscar Piastri and first pursuer Lando Norris, who are currently leading the pack for McLaren. Unlike last year, he is the hunter, not the hunted. Nevertheless, Verstappen remains level-headed about his title chances. “I’m 69 points behind, which is a lot, especially considering how the season has been going so far. McLaren is very dominant, that won’t change overnight. But for me, there’s no stress. If we win: fantastic. If we don’t win: so be it. Life goes on, you know. I just try to enjoy what I do – in Formula 1 and beyond.”
However, he also draws hope for the street race under artificial light from the progress of Red Bull’s challenger, the RB21. “The car has become more competitive and predictable,” Verstappen assures. “That gives you as a driver more opportunities to show what you can do. After Hungary and Zandvoort, it didn’t look like we would win any more races, and then you suddenly win two in a row. That’s nice. If a few more come along, that’s even better.” Verstappen views the situation regarding the world championship on a race-by-race basis. For him, there are only two options, he says. “I have a fifty percent chance of taking the title. Either I get it, or I don’t. It’s that simple.”
