Verstappen.com's interview with Max pt.2: 'Red Bull is like a second family'
Published on 14 March 2022 by Stefan Meens
Upcoming weekend, the 2022 Formula 1 World Championship gets underway at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Last week, Max previewed the new season and how the regulations have impacted the new cars. In the second part of our exclusive interview, the Dutchman shares his thoughts about his own future in the coming years.
You recently extended your contract with Oracle Red Bull Racing until 2028. You will become the driver that has been with one team for the longest amount of time. What makes the Red Bull Max Verstappen combination work so well?
“We just get on really well. It feels good, authentic and familiar. We’ve always kept believing we could be world champions. We finally achieved that goal, so I see no reason to change teams; I really want to stay with Oracle Red Bull Racing. “
It sounds like the team feels like a second family?
“Absolutely, as we spend so much time together during a season.”
Five years ago, we asked where you would like to see yourself in five years time. Back then you said: “Hopefully we can be world champions within the next five years.” You've achieved that goal, so what’s in store for the next five years?
“Of course I’m hoping for more championships, but even if we don’t, we've achieved the highest ambition already. I just hope for fun seasons with nice races and that we can enjoy what we’re doing. That's in the end the most important.”
Recently, your dad turned 50 and he’s back behind the wheel of a race car. What’s that like for you?
“Age is just a number and he’s still having a great time. Rally is now a new hobby for him and it’s important for him to enoy it and be able to put his energy and passion into it. He doesn’t need to win, but he’s still driven to do the best job he can. It’s great to see that.”
“It’s his hobby and I love we can share that. I enjoy following his progress and that we can chat about it. And it’s not just the rally stuff, but also when we do some private testing on a circuit. We really enjoy it and are able to give each other advise on how to go faster. Obviously, the roles have changed somewhat with me usually giving him advise, haha!”
Do you see yourself particpate in rally?
“I drove my dad’s rally car twice. That was a lot of fun, but I don’t need to compete. I’ll leave the stage racing to him.”
Do you think you’ll still be racing when you’re 50?
“Maybe, but more for fun as a hobby. In the distant future, I do want to race in other categories such as endurance racing where you share a car with two or three others. Of course I always want to win, but enjoment will be very important.”
Last year, you've met your father-in-law Nelson Piquet Sr. He is also a Formula 1 world champion and you share the same amount of podium finishes (60). Do you chat to him about racing?
“I always love hearing stories from the past and don’t necessarily need to talk about me. It’s just relaxing to be on holiday with family. Usually the stories just come up, but we also talk about other things than racing. Because we’ve both done the same sport, you understand each other better and you know about the pressures and the amount of people that watch you. To be honest, I’ve known this all my life with my own family, so it’s nice that it’s the same story for my in-laws. It means you can just be yourself because everybody understands.”
Last year, you used a few different helmet designs. What goes into the creation of a new helmet?
“That process is great with my new designer. I’ve known him since I was young and we’re the same age. I saw he made nice designs for other drivers and decided to approach him. It’s been great; I don’t have to give him much direction because he always comes up with striking designs and colours that fit with a certain Grand Prix. This year, we’ll have another few special designs coming.”
