Max Verstappen has no intention of changing his approach in the title fight with McLaren. The two drivers, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, have steadily increased their lead over the Dutchman, especially after Verstappen’s retirement in Austria, but that doesn’t mean the Dutchman will suddenly start doing ‘crazy things’. ‘I’m just trying to get the most out of it tomorrow,’ the newly minted pole sitter looks ahead to the British Grand Prix.
With an unexpectedly fast lap on the Silverstone circuit, Max Verstappen has secured the first starting position. The pole position came as a surprise not only to the spectators of the exciting qualifying session, but also to the world champion himself, who ‘even in Q1 and Q2 did not’ see his now 44th pole position coming. After the race, most of the questions from the media are therefore about the Dutchman’s magnificent performance. A stark contrast to Thursday at Silverstone, when rumors about a possible move to Mercedes were still the focus.
However, Verstappen is not too bothered that his future in Formula 1 was the main topic before the Grand Prix weekend. “A lot of people write about it, but in the end, I’m the one who really knows, along with a few people around me. But it doesn’t matter, I just do my thing.” The four-time world champion therefore doesn’t have much emotion at a busy press conference like last Thursday. “I always stay very neutral. I didn’t have much to say anyway, so it ends quickly.”
Verstappen Maintains His Approach
Returning to the race, Lando Norris notably stated after the qualification that he expects Verstappen, even without DRS, to be faster than the two McLarens with DRS. Does the pole sitter expect the same during the Silverstone race? “I don’t think so. We are faster on the straight, but that’s normal with our new wing. However, you do have less grip in the rain with this wing, so hopefully, it won’t rain.” In addition, Verstappen predicts that McLaren will also be better at tire management.
Verstappen currently trails championship leader Oscar Piastri by 61 World Championship points, more than two race victories. Norris also has a 46-point lead over the Dutch driver. Does this put Verstappen in a different mindset at the start of the race? “I’m just trying to get the maximum out of tomorrow and run a strong race. My approach remains the same. You’re not going to suddenly do crazy things. I also have to stay realistic.”
