Max Verstappen: The Unflappable Champion in a Changing F1 Landscape
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — If you’re expecting Max Verstappen to buckle under pressure, or to be rattled by the new wave of young talent in Formula 1, you might be waiting a while. The 27-year-old, four-time defending Formula 1 world champion, seems to be taking everything in stride, even as the sport around him evolves.
On a sunny Friday morning, Verstappen made his way into the Miami Grand Prix paddock. He didn’t look like someone who has won the race twice before or someone who has claimed victory in 64 F1 events. Instead, he appeared relaxed, navigating through photographers and fans with ease. You wouldn’t guess that he had just welcomed a newborn daughter or that he was surrounded by rumors of discontent at Red Bull. Despite winning only one of the five races this season and being ranked third in the championship standings, behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, Verstappen remains unfazed.
Verstappen’s demeanor is that of a man who knows his place in the world, both on and off the track. “You just try to do the best you can. We are not the fastest team at the moment. We’re trying to be as competitive as we can be, but at the end of the day, it’s not going to change my life in any way,” he said. His words come as a stark contrast to the frustration expressed by team boss Christian Horner, who recently questioned the origins of the negative headlines surrounding Red Bull.
In the high-pressure world of Formula 1, Verstappen’s calmness is a mystery to many, especially when he’s lapping them on the track. For the millions who watch the sport, whether live or through streaming services, Verstappen remains an enigma. He insists that the public doesn’t truly know him, and he’s perfectly fine with that.
Even as the competition heats up, Verstappen’s laid-back attitude seems to have intensified. “I come here, do the best I can, go home, do other stuff, then go to the next race, try to do the best I can and go home again,” he explains. “So, for me, there’s not a lot of extra pressure or whatever. When I’m at home, I’m not actively thinking, ‘Oh, like I’m P3 in the championship, I need to do something!’ Or ‘What can I do?!’ Like, true experience over the years, you know what to do and what not to do. And just divide your energy also, a bit into other things, which you know that are also part of your life. Because at the end of the day, Formula 1 is not your whole life. It’s just a small part.”
Some might attribute this newfound perspective to fatherhood. Verstappen recently became a father to a daughter, Lily, with his longtime girlfriend Kelly Piquet. But those who know him well understand that his relaxed attitude is not a recent development. It’s always been there, even if it contrasts with his aggressive racing style.
When asked about his future in the sport, Verstappen was candid. “I have a contract until 2028, so for sure until then, after that, it also just depends a bit on what kind of projects are around or not, if it’s interesting or not,” he said. “After winning my first championship [in 2021], everything that comes next is a bonus, and that’s really how I see it.”
Verstappen’s willingness to praise his competitors, like championship leader Oscar Piastri, is another sign of his maturity. Piastri, who turned 24 last month, has won three of this year’s five races. Verstappen acknowledges Piastri’s talent, saying, “He’s in his third year, and he’s very solid. He’s very calm in his approach, and I like that. It shows on track. He delivers when he has to, barely makes mistakes, and that’s what you need when you want to fight for a championship.”
- Verstappen’s calm demeanor is a stark contrast to the high-pressure environment of F1.
- He has a contract with Red Bull until 2028.
- Verstappen recently became a father, which may have influenced his perspective.
- He praises young competitors like Oscar Piastri, showing respect for the new generation.
Verstappen’s approach to racing and life is a lesson in balance. He’s a man who has grown up in the public eye, learning to balance the demands of his career with his personal life. “I’ve been thinking about that already, for a long time,” he says, reflecting on his journey.
Originally Written by: Ryan McGee
