The turmoil that kept Formula 1 fans in suspense until the last race of the season has already subsided. Abu Dhabi defined a new champion, Briton Lando Norris, who broke four consecutive years of reign with his McLaren Max Verstappen. The Dutchman fought until the end and took second place at the end of the season with a surprising attack.
“Actually, I think We can be happy with the fact that we fought for the World Cup“, surprised Verstappen in a chat with the streaming service Viaplay. Aware that his competitors had a superior car, the Red Bull driver made a strikingly conformist speech: “First of all, we never managed to lead the standings.” Also we received many presents. In the end I won the race in Las Vegas and my rival was disqualified there (Norris and Piastri were penalized because neither of their two cars met the minimum requirement for rear skid thickness), otherwise I wouldn’t even be in the photo.”
Another topic that the four-time world champion addressed was the situation of Lewis Hamilton, whose performances were very poor in his first season at Ferrari. The Brit, who turns 41 on January 7, ended the year almost dejected without finding answers. Will he have the strength to turn it around at this age? This is what Verstappen was referring to: “It depends a little on the personality. Some people stay longer. It also depends on your level and what you have achieved in the past. For him, of course.” It wasn’t a pleasant season for Ferrari. It can be felt everywhere, especially on the radio. To be honest, I feel sorry for him too. Are you going to retire? I don’t know it. He doesn’t give up, he will be there. But it’s not nice to see.
Verstappen is 29 years old and once said that after turning 40 he could no longer imagine racing at the first level. He also spoke about this topic Fernando Alonsothe legendary Spanish pilot who, at 44, continues to fight in the Great circus. “I was on the plane with Fernando on the way to Qatar and it seemed interesting to me to know. He’s 44 years old, so I asked him the question. Above all, they are the physical demands. Yes, you’re just in more pain. These cars are no longer particularly pleasant to drive. It’s not really comfortable. And the older you get, the more you feel it. The shoulders, the back, the neck. It takes more effort to keep everything up to standard.”
Verstappen’s innate competitiveness is another prerequisite for sustained activity. “I think that when I’m 40 or 44 I won’t be the same person I am today,” Mad Max reflects. “Maybe also in terms of motivation. And if you’re not in a top car, even less so.”
“I really believe that Fernando could fight for the podium if he were in a great car. That’s when you see the fighter come out. And in certain moments, when you see that there is something to strive for, you really see that warrior coming back. When you’ve been world champion twice, you’ve already won a lot, and you’re driving in tenth place, then you tell yourself…,” he told Viaplay in statements reported by the Motorsport website.
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