Max Verstappen has often been the poster boy for arrogant, over-confident, aggressive F1 drivers. Additionally, his current dominion over the sport has only fueled his role as the antagonist in the sport. No one really likes Verstappen. But his recent show of modesty not only subdues his image but also gives reason for his rivals to break a sweat.
Praises pour in from all sides when Verstappen’s name comes up. Seeing the #1 Red Bull in the rearview tends to strike fear into the hearts of his opponents; however, this season, the phenomenon of catching the car behind another is a rare occurrence.
Thus, one would think that this feeds the driver’s ego, it would be weird if it didn’t. However, as he was raised under the wings of the tough Jos Verstappen, the Dutch Lion is hungry for more and believes he is yet to achieve perfection.
Max Verstappen is not perfect- yet
Sitting down with CNN, Max Verstappen delved into his impenetrable form this season. With the perfect win streak, perfect weekends characterized by Grand Chelems, and perfect scores across the board- Verstappen detaches with the very word- perfect.
The Red Bull driver also listed out what it takes to be at the topmost level in F1. “What is very important when you’re fighting for a championship is that you are very consistent and you barely make mistakes and that’s what I try to aim for.”
11 wins in a row for the team, what an amazing achievement @redbullracing 🚀 This is an extraordinary job by everyone 👏 #KeepPushing
Thank you Silverstone 🇬🇧 #BritishGP pic.twitter.com/JvY7dR54ij
— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) July 9, 2023
However, he admits, “Obviously, you’re not a robot, you’re not perfect. There are always things that can be done better, but you try to be as close to perfection.”
With his current form, it would be safe to assume Verstappen is already there. However, the serial winner thinks otherwise. “At the moment, close. But it’s never good enough. I always want to be better so that’s why I try to look at and work on every time.”
Even Lewis Hamilton praises Verstappen
It only adds to the discussion when Lewis Hamilton himself praises his rival for his relentless drive. Even Hamilton admits that at the rate at which Verstappen going, it won’t be long before he surpasses the 7-time champion.
Bringing home the 𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃 🏆 #BritishGP 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/nPMnCWI2Og
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) July 10, 2023
Echoing the words Michael Schumacher reserved for him, Hamilton said, “Ultimately records are there to be broken and he’s got an amazing team.”
And that is exactly what Verstappen has been doing. From overtaking Sebastian Vettel to surpassing Ayrton Senna. It is no doubt we are witnessing once-in-a-generation greatness. Surely, perfection will be attained.
