Verstappen unapologetic: 'I’ll keep crossing the line to win'

Max Verstappen has doubled down on his uncompromising approach to Formula 1, insisting that he will “keep crossing the line” if it means securing the best possible results on track.

The 2024 F1 season was one of the Dutchman’s most hard-fought campaigns to date. After a dominant opening half of the year, Verstappen and Red Bull faced stiff competition from McLaren and Ferrari.

Lando Norris, in particular, mounted a serious title challenge, leading to tense battles between the two drivers. These culminated in controversial incidents, most notably during the Mexican Grand Prix, where Verstappen was handed two 10-second penalties for forcing Norris off the track.

Speaking in a candid end-of-season interview with Dutch broadcaster Viaplay, the four-time world champion addressed the criticism surrounding his aggressive driving style and framed it as a necessary mindset for success in the sport.

Responding to a remark from Zak Brown after last October’s eventful Mexican Grand Prix, in which the McLaren boss suggested that his driving style was unnecessarily aggressive, Verstappen hit back at the American.

“Yes, but they don’t have the world champion mentality,” he said.

“I will always go to the limit to get the most out of every race, and if I have to force it, then that’s just how it goes. Sometimes you have to cross a line. Well, I do.”

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The Dutchman made it clear that he has no regrets about his controversial move in Mexico, which saw Norris squeezed towards the wall.

“No, not at all in that race. I think I won points there,” Verstappen asserted.

“So like I said, I will always do everything to get the maximum result for a championship. And of course, sometimes you have to go to the limit or over the limit, and not everyone understands that. Not everyone has that mentality.”

Verstappen’s approach has sparked significant debate in the F1 paddock, with some accusing him of prioritizing aggression over sportsmanship. However, the Dutchman views his style as a necessary edge in a sport defined by millimeters and split-second decisions.

Verstappen also took the opportunity to reflect on McLaren’s championship challenge, praising their performance while highlighting what he sees as their inexperience in sustaining a title fight.

He suggested that McLaren’s inconsistent use of team orders – or ‘papaya rules’ – was one example of their lack of readiness, hinting that Norris might have clinched the title if the team had been more strategic.

“‘You are allowed to race’ is fine,” commented Verstappen. “But what’s the point? They should’ve handled that more effectively as a team.

“They clearly had a very good car this year, but they had a lot to learn about consistency. They did well in the Constructors’ Championship, but in the Drivers Championship, they could’ve been better prepared.”

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