Verstappen: Rather Win With 20-Second Lead Than After Close Battle Until Chequered Flag
F1Sunday, 12 May 2024 at 18:00
Max Verstappen asserted he would rather win a race with a comfortable 20-second lead than after an intense to-the-flag battle with an equally matched rival.
Max Verstappen has dominated F1 for the most part since the second half of the 2022 season until now. In fact, the triple World Champion won 32 out of 39 Grand Prix races since the 2022 French Grand Prix.
The 26-year-old didn't have many if any, close battles to the finish line with his rivals. However,t after the first six Grand Prix races of the 2024 season, it is clear Ferrari and McLaren are getting closer.
At this moment, it seems inevitable that the Dutchman will face fiercer and fiercer competition throughout the season. Is he looking forward to close battles with his rivals?
During the most recent race weekend in Miami, Verstappen was asked whether he prefers winning with a comfortable lead of 20 seconds or after a very tight to the finish line, and he responded to Sky Sports:
"At least 20 seconds! That's for me… I've raced so much in my life in close combat. "
What must also not be forgotten is the 2021 season, where the Flying Dutchman went head-to-head with the seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton.
It was a battle that extended throughout the whole season until the final lap of the final race. So, when Verstappen says he has had enough close battles, it is understandable.
On the other hand, the Red Bull F1 driver is aware that almost all the fans prefer watching the closely matched battles over anything else, but he explained:
"I enjoy a lot more if we can actually nail the car and are 100 percent sure that we can win by a big margin but, of course, that's not what fans want to hear but I am honest, you know? I'm here to win and I'm here to create my own success,"
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