Max Verstappen: “People Always Say ‘How Dominant They Are And How Easy It Is”
In the high-speed world of Formula One, Max Verstappen has emerged as a force to be reckoned with. With a commanding lead in the 2023 season, the Dutch sensation has set his sights on a historic feat: becoming the first driver to win ten consecutive races. But with his unparalleled success comes the inevitable chatter from critics who claim that his dominance is making the sport less exciting. Verstappen, however, remains undeterred.
Verstappen’s Remarkable Run
Max Verstappen’s remarkable run of victories has not gone unnoticed. He has won an astonishing 11 out of the 13 races held so far in the season, putting him in prime position to clinch his third World Championship. With a staggering 138-point lead, the possibility of sealing the title with six races to go is very much on the table, with the Japanese Grand Prix on September 24th being a potential championship-deciding event.
Criticism
Yet, for all his extraordinary achievements, Verstappen has found himself facing criticism from those who argue that his dominance is making Formula One boring. In a recent interview with the PA news agency, the 25-year-old driver responded to these accusations with a blend of confidence and humility.
Verstappen’s Comments
“They cannot appreciate dominance or just people executing their jobs,” Verstappen stated candidly. “It is nothing really new in Formula One, and I cannot do much with those kinds of comments. Does it bother me? No. It would probably be worse if they were talking about other stuff. I am enjoying what I am doing, and I hope I can do it for a while. I don’t want it to stop. We have another good opportunity this weekend. I believe I can win every single race.”
Verstappen’s perspective sheds light on the challenges of maintaining such a level of excellence. He rightly points out that if it were easy, more drivers and teams would have achieved similar streaks of success. He acknowledges that his journey to nine consecutive victories was far from straightforward and that many factors had to align for him to reach this milestone.
Rivalry With Hamilton
When reflecting on his championship triumph against Lewis Hamilton in a thrilling 2021 season, Verstappen dismisses the notion that it was handed to him on a silver platter. “It was not like it was given to me,” he asserted. “People always have short memories and they can forget a lot of stuff very quickly. It was a great year, and we had a lot of great battles with two teams going at it, and that was amazing for Formula One.”
Outlook
Verstappen’s outlook on success and criticism reflects a profound understanding of the sport’s nature. While Formula One has always been about competition, where winners and losers are part of the game. As he looks ahead to a future sharing the grid with his long-time rival, Lewis Hamilton, Verstappen remains focused on the road ahead, undisturbed by the noise of critics and the weight of expectations.
In the end, Max Verstappen’s journey through Formula One is not just about trophies and records; it’s a testament to his unwavering determination and love for the sport. While some may find his dominance predictable, he continues to strive for excellence, making each race a thrilling spectacle for fans and a testament to his remarkable talent. Whether he achieves that historic tenth consecutive win or not, one thing is certain: Max Verstappen’s journey in Formula One is far from over, and the excitement he brings to the sport is something fans can always look forward to.
