Max not focussed on winning ten GPs in a row: 'I try to enjoy the moment'
Published on 31 August 2023 by Stefan Meens
After a triumphant weekend in Zandvoort, where Max Verstappen took his third Dutch Grand Prix win in succession, the Dutchman spoke to the international media in the Monza paddock ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.
This weekend’s race offers the Oracle Red Bull Racing driver the oppertunity to clinch a tenth win in a row, which would be a new record in Formula 1. “To be honest, it’s not something I’m thinking of", said the reigning champion. "We try to make the most of our weekend and we’ll try to win the race. We are in a good flow and the car is a joy to drive, but I’m not constantly thinking about the tenth win. If it happens, it would be great, but the most important thing is the championship. In the end it doesn’t matter how you win, as long as you win. I try to enjoy the moment and get the most out of myself every weekend.”
However, Max does not underestimate the potential pitfalls. “Mechanical issues or mistakes can happen and you have to be alert to make sure they don’t happen. Of course, it looks easy at the moment, but you always have to deliver and keep performing to have a perfect weekend.”
This weekend’s event takes place at Monza, one of Max’ favourite races. “It’s always amazing to be here and it looks like the weather is going to be good. The atmosphere is super and the fans are so passionate. They really love motorsport and Formula 1. Of course, they will manly support Ferrari, but that’s fine. It’s a highspeed circuit that requires low downforce to maximise your top speed. That makes the circuit more difficult to drive as you slide a bit more. It’s also demanding on the brakes.”
Thus far, the RB19 has proven to be competitive at all kinds of tracks, which makes Max think Monza should be a competitive weekend for the Milton Keynes based outfit. “Our car is verry ‘allround’. Some tracks suit it better than others, but it’s important to have an allround car that works everywhere. Normally, Monza suits us witt its long straights. We try to focus on our weak points and we always try to improve the car, looking ahead to next year. You can always improve things and it’s in the details that determines if you have a good or a great weekend. Sometimes you can’t find the perfect set-up which makes it a lot tougher. We also have to use the hard, medium and soft tyre compounds in qualifying so we won’t drive as much in practice to save tyres; it means we have less time to get our set-up sorted.”
