World champion Max Verstappen is far from satiated: ‘Motivation may be even greater now’ | formula 1

By Arjan Schouten

Make no mistake about it, Max Verstappen makes it immediately clear prior to the opening weekend in Bahrain. The point of saturation is far from in sight, now that he is a one-time world champion. In fact, the hunger has only grown with the Limburger who races with start number 1 on his car for the first time.

He is a bookie favorite, confident after the winter test, but mostly focused on what’s to come. ,,As a little boy you dream of making it to Formula 1, maybe becoming a champion. But now that that goal has been achieved, I still want to win,” Verstappen explained at the press conference in Bahrain. ,,The motivation is still the same, or perhaps even greater after that title. Because you want to keep winning, keep driving at the front like last year.”

When asked by a British journalist whether he had to do much last winter to mindset this winter, Jos Verstappen’s son has to laugh. Especially when the word ‘comfort’ is mentioned. “I grew up with the idea that this should never sneak in, my father taught me that.”

The champion is back with the RB18 as a new weapon in a field full of redesigned cars, chasing new success. Whether he expects an even more aggressive Lewis Hamilton, who naturally seeks revenge? ,,I don’t think you should ask me that question”, waves the Dutchman, who ‘just expects another competitive Mercedes, the subject immediately.

He’ll see, Sunday. First train twice, qualify tomorrow and then do what he still loves to do even after seven full seasons. Race for precious World Cup points. ,,I want to be at the front again, soon. That remains the goal.”