Verstappen Opens Up About His Ruthless Mindset: 'I Will Do Everything I Can To Win'

Monday, 06 January 2025 at 12:55

Updated at Monday, 06 January 2025 at 12:58

Max Verstappen reflected on some of his moves and discussed the ruthless, relentless mindset that helped him win four consecutive titles.

Red Bull Racing F1 driver Max Verstappen won his fourth consecutive title at the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix after a season that became much more challenging than anyone might have anticipated at the start.

The Dutchman shared multiple hard battles with his championship rival Lando Norris, who at one point looked like a serious contender for a title despite the considerable point gap to the leader.

One of the most controversial battles took place in Mexico City, where Max Verstappen received a 20-second penalty for his two incidents with the McLaren driver.

The 27-year-old Red Bull Racing F1 driver faced a lot of criticism, namely for the turn seven incident with Norris from Mexico City, where the McLaren driver had to avoid a collision by running far off the track.

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Reflecting on battles like this after the end of the 2024 season, Max Verstappen suggested he was always in control of what he was doing and that he would always do what was needed to win. He told Formula 1:

"There have been tough races, questionable moves and moments, but I know what I'm doing, I'm fully in control of what I'm doing."

"Sometimes, of course with a thought behind it. I'm well in control of what I'm executing on track. Sometimes it's necessary. I will do everything I can to win."

Although he received the 20-second penalty in Mexico City, Verstappen actually benefited from the controversial move because he held up Norris for a longer time and prevented him from winning the Grand Prix.

That way, Verstappen lost fewer points than he would otherwise if he had let the McLaren driver keep his third position on lap number ten. The Dutchman added:

"I hate losing. I can acknowledge when someone does a better job, but it's still not nice to lose. That is the driving factor – we need to be better."