Max Verstappen is now one of the best-known drivers in Formula 1, yet the Dutchman still remains plainly himself. Keeping his life “as simple and as normal as possible” is a key part of the Red Bull driver’s approach, even after claiming four world championships. The hunger for more wins, however, is undiminished: “Every time I get in the car now, I want to win.”
With four world titles and 71 Grand Prix victories to his name, Max Verstappen has become a fixture in Formula 1. The Dutchman is one of the most famous drivers in the premier class, but that fame still hasn’t gone to his head. “I always try to stay myself,” the world champion says in an interview with Red Bull sponsor Tag Heuer. “I don’t need to behave differently there (in the paddock, ed.) than I do at home. What I do have to do, though, is perform. If I don’t, I’m out. It’s that simple.”
According to Verstappen, it’s mainly his friends and family who keep him grounded. “They’re the most important thing in my life. Of course, as an F1 driver you meet important people and celebrities, but that’s not why I’m here,” the driver explains. “I’m here to race, and afterwards I go home. I prefer to keep my life as simple and normal as possible.”
Motivation
What motivates Verstappen to stay in Formula 1 — even after winning four consecutive world championships — is equally straightforward: winning. “You never really know how a career will pan out. Naturally I’ve been lucky so far to have won a lot. If I can win more, great; if that doesn’t happen, that’s fine too. I’ll see what happens. Every time I’m in the car now, I want to win. That’s the only reason I’m in F1. I’m here to win, not just to take part,” Verstappen concludes.
