Max in Suzuka: 'Don't care when I win the title'
Published on 21 September 2023 by Stefan Meens
Ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen spoke to the press to discuss last weekend’s Singapore GP as well preview the upcoming event from the Suzuka paddock.
Although the Oracle Red Bull Racing driver won last year’s Japanese Grand Prix, and with it his second world title, Max will not be able to secure title number three just yet. He will have to wait until later in the season, which could lead to the championship being clinched during a Saturday sprint.
“I don’t mind if it’s on a Saturday or Sunday. I know it’s coming so I’m not thinking about it too much. Maybe it’s good to win it on a Saturday so we can go on a big night out. Maybe my reaction times won’t be as good on Sunday when the lights go out”, laughs Max.
Unlike the drivers’ crown the constructors’ championship is within reach for Red Bull at Suzuka. “We are enjoying an amazing year as a team. It’s a fantastic achievement. The team can be really proud of what we’ve achieved. The constructors’ title was our goals from the start. If we could secure it here, that would be a little bit more special for everyone, especially because Honda is still involved. It would be lovely.”
Last weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix proved a challenging event, with Max finishing fifth and Sergio Perez crossing the line in eighth. “We knew it would be a more difficult weekend for us. But because we couldn’t get the set-up right, it was even trickier. There are some things we still need to understand because we weren’t performing well and others did better. But now Singapore is done, we can’t change the result so we’re focussing on this weekend.
Despite a ten race winning streak coming to an end, Max remains cool about the situation. “We’ve stopped winning for one race, these things happen. Before we won ten in a row”, smiles Max. “Of course I wanted to win, but we knew there was going to be a day where we wouldn’t win and things go wrong. Unfortunately, Singapore was that weekend. But we’ll keep going and try again this weekend.”
Japan, and in particular Suzuka, has always had a special place in Max’ heart. Not only did he make his F1 debut at the famous track in 2014, he also sealed his second world title at Honda’s home turf. This weekend, the Dutchman’s helmet features a Japanese flag inspired design. “It’s always great to be here and see the fans in the stands. There is a real passion for motorsport. You just have to switch the TV on to see different types of racing. The fans are also really thankful and kind.”
Contest GP Japan: win a by Max Verstappen signed Verstappen.com Racing cap!
