F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Verstappen admits to ‘exciting times’ despite tough F1 competition

Max Verstappen is facing, by his own admittance, a “tough” battle at the head of the F1 field against his opponents, but the Dutchman admits that defending his turf has led to “exciting times” for himself and his Red Bull team.

Thanks to a string of five wins in the first seven races of the season, Verstappen took a dominant lead in the 2024 championship.

But despite a couple of additional triumphs in Canada and Spain, the three-time world champion has seen his gains dwindle over the summer on the back of McLaren and Mercedes’ momentum, while Red Bull is also struggling to protect its lead in the Constructors’ standings, with Sergio Perez contributing little to his team’s tally.

After two years of crushing supremacy, Verstappen acknowledged the fierce competition and the constant push required to stay on top.

“It's tough, I'm not gonna lie," he admitted, quoted by Formula.hu.

"Of course, I always try to give my very best. I try to optimise every weekend, because if I have a good car, it makes my life also a little bit easier, and probably also makes the team's life easier.

"But that's not how it goes at the moment, so we have to really fight for every position at the top, but that's okay.”

Read also:

While emphasizing the need for continuous improvement to regain momentum, Verstappen sees a silver lining in Red Bull’s current challenge, viewing it as a way to keep everyone motivated and the competition exciting.

"It's a nice thing in a way, it keeps everyone on their toes,” he added.

“We just need to try and improve a bit more, try to find that momentum again, of being really competitive. And yeah, it's exciting times, I would say."

While taking stock of his campaign year-to-date, Verstappen acknowledged the unlikelihood of replicating the commanding success he enjoyed in 2023.

"I really enjoyed last year, but I also knew that we would never have another season like that," he said.

"It's very unrealistic that you have such a competitive year again, so, I was always prepared for these kind of things. Of course, I would have hoped for a little bit more of an advantage, but that's how it goes."

Verstappen is nonetheless enjoying the challenge and relishing the battles with drivers he's known since their early racing days.

"Now we are fighting with a lot more drivers, but you always know every driver has a particular way of driving. That's the same in I think every sport, right," commented the 26-year-old.

"Not every person is the same in how they handle [different situations] but that's fine.

“I grew up with a lot of the drivers, so it's quite fun to be battling with people that are your age and you already know from go-karting times as well."

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

10 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

11 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

13 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

14 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

16 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

17 hours ago