Verstappen Reflects On His Change In Approach To Taking Risks: "Definitely Different Now'

Sunday, 29 September 2024 at 18:00

Max Verstappen discussed how he changed his approach to taking risks on track as he matured, got a better car, and became the F1 World Champion.

Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen has been diligent in avoiding collisions over the last three seasons (with the exception of the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix).

However, it has not always been like that. When the Dutchman was younger and less experienced, he was willing to take more risks, resulting in more frequent crashes.

At the start of his career, some fans who didn't like the Verstappen even called him "Crashstappen." Though that nickname has faded now, the Red Bull Racing driver reflected on the change in his driving style in the Viaplay documentary, '10 Years of Max Verstappen':

"Those first few years with the team, we didn't have the chance to win many races yet, so I automatically think I took more risks back then to force a good result."

"That is definitely different now, now that I have been world champion a few times and can also continue to fight seriously for the championship."

Lando Norris, in a McLaren car, overtaking and driving side by side with Max Verstappen in a Red Bull car at the first corner of Circuit Zandvoort.

Verstappen going side by side with Lando Norris through the first corner at Circuit Zandvoort

"Then you suddenly get a completely different perspective on the sport, and that always remains a bit special because, at the end of the day, you are still competing in the same championship and the same sport."

In his current position, Verstappen realizes he needs to prioritize points to win the Championship, and he would even rather finish in P4 than risk everything for the podium.

The 1997 Champion Jacques Villeneuve recently praised Verstappen for his change in approach. He said the triple World Champion shows maturity as he realizes racking up points is more important than winning races. The Dutchman added:

"When you only get a couple of chances a year to really excel, grab a podium or even win a race, you take more risk anyway."

"Those were also really my early years at Red Bull, where you would sometimes be on the podium, but at other times, you would crash. That's just part of it then."