Hamilton had an overwhelming lead, but a slow safety car effectively resumed the race, and Verstappen was able to overtake Brit with newer, faster tires, securing his virgin driver’s championship. ..
Despite achieving his lifelong goals and spending a tremendous amount of emotional energy, Verstappen’s trademark competitiveness remains undiminished and he simply continues to focus on winning the race.
Verstappen told CNN Sports Amanda Davis prior to the Miami Grand Prix, “I feel like I’m finally here because I’m confident or a world champion.” “For me, that’s not a problem. I’m just back and want to win more.
“I’ve already said that if you win the championship, you’ll reach your goals in F1,” he says. “And what follows is just a bonus, and I enjoy it.
“But I haven’t won the championship right now, so let’s go to the party here. Don’t be motivated, let’s go to the party here. Now come back and realize and feel that feeling. I think I’m more motivated to do it. The same thing again. “
New Start
Verstappen’s title defense took place during the F1 season and has already proven to be significantly different from recent editions.
Mercedes is no longer a holder of the Drivers’ Championship for the first time in eight years. This is the position currently occupied by Verstappen and his team Red Bull. With new regulations coming into force earlier this season, the team will completely redesign their car and end Mercedes dominance.
“As a driver, I think I’m trying to learn and improve every year. That’s not surprising. Especially if you have a new car, you have to adapt anyway. In a way, it might have been good for us. Hmm. After winning the title on that car, the new car had a whole new regulation. “
These drastic changes helped Verstappen change his direction this season after the dramatic final Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi.
“Of course, after Abu Dhabi, all the emotions came out all year round,” he says. “But at the same time, I still had to build a fast car this year, so I had to enjoy the moment, but I had to quickly switch focus and stay there again next year. Fortunately, that too.
“We still have a very competitive car, so of course it’s also motivating. Having a good car is very motivating.”
“I was a little disappointed because there was nothing in the winter test,” Verstappen says.
“It was so easy that we were really convinced that nothing would happen, but of course it shows. [in] F1-It’s a mechanical sport-anything can happen, and we had some amazing problems, but I think we got over it.
“It’s a very difficult sport, including the engine side, and it’s difficult. It’s very difficult to get rid of reliability issues, but we’re really good at it and need to stay on top of it. Shown to. Now. “
“I enjoy fighting him on the truck.”
“I’ve known Charles for a really long time, and I just enjoy fighting him on the track, and have a good race and enjoy there,” he says.
Leclerc and Verstappen were the first teenagers to compete in the Junior Go-Kart Race, creating a different type of competition from the tougher competition between Verstappen and Hamilton, who shaped last year’s championship battle.
Leclerc opened the lead early on, but Verstappen still has 20 races to close the gap, with up to 26 points available on each circuit.
“We think we’re on track with this car, so it’s very close, and it’s all about who brings the updates faster and who brings the bigger upgrades right,” Verstappen says. “There’s still a lot to learn, especially with these new cars. I think the team is bringing different kinds of things to each race.”
The driver has already completed the laps in the simulator, but this is the first time he has raced on the course.
“The car is very well balanced and will be a great help in learning the course, but of course if it isn’t, we’re fighting two things,” Verstappen says. “You are fighting to learn the truck, and you are fighting the car at the same time.
“This can be different. It can feel really comfortable within a few laps, but it’s also like I’m still finding something like I’m a little down or pushing too hard during the session. ..
“I’m excited to be here. Driving this track will be really special and it will be a tough course with humidity and heat. It will be an easy race for us. There will be no. “
Source: www.cnn.com
