Max in Baku: 'Realistically, it can't get much better'

Published on 08 December 2023 by Misha van der Kroon

Tonight in Baku, Azerbaijan, Max Verstappen will be presented the trophy for his third Formula 1 World Championship. The 2023 FIA Prize Giving ceremony will take place there this year, in the ‘City of Wind’.

In the press conference ahead of the gala, Max, dressed in a suit, reflects on the record-breaking season he had with the team of Oracle Red Bull Racing: “We have won a lot this year. A lot. And it has been really enjoyable to work with everyone in the team. I wasn't thinking about breaking all these records. We just wanted to keep winning, keep the momentum going. And of course enjoy it as well, because these great moments don't come along that often. It was a very good year.”

Red Bull Racing will be presented the trophy for the Constructors’ Championship, after winning 21 of the 22 Grands Prix, of which Max finished first 19 times. The Dutchman continues: “Realistically, it can’t get much better. But I’m not sure if that should always be the goal, if you should go and try to get 20 victories in a season.”

“I’m not concerned about improving the statistics, it's more about trying to find improvements within myself, within the team and within the car. And if that means that we have improved the car, and we can fight again for the championship, but we ‘only’ ten races, that’s also fine. Teams are learning a lot with these new regulations, so I expect that it will be a lot closer next year.”