The four-time F1 world champion, Max Verstappen, fully embraces his victories and refuses to apologize for his achievements, which he considers natural in his quest for performance.
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At just 28 years old, Max Verstappen has already etched his name into the Formula 1 pantheon with four world titles and 71 Grand Prix victories for Red Bull. Only Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton and Juan Manuel Fangio have more championships, while only Hamilton (105) and Schumacher (91) surpass the Dutchman in number of victories.
The 2023 season was historic for Verstappen: 19 victories out of 22 courses, 575 points in the championship, and more than 1 000 laps led in a single season (1 003), an absolute record in F1 history. These performances have solidified his reputation as a dominant but also sometimes controversial driver, always frank in his statements.
Refusing to apologize: a question of principle
Asked about the idea of apologizing for his successes, Verstappen was categorical: “Why should I feel sorry for my successes? It would be a bit ridiculous.” He explains that he remains true to himself and to his main goal: winning.
“In general, I have remained the same person. Sometimes, your car is a bit better or worse, sometimes you are the outsider, sometimes you dominate almost the entire season — probably not everyone likes that.”
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The Dutch driver insists on the fact that he is not looking to be liked: “The most important thing is that I stay true to myself, and not just to give a good image. People love me or hate me. I am not here to make friends. I am just myself. I always try to be the same person on and off the track.”
A full life outside the circuits
Verstappen is not limited to F1. He enjoys his free time with his family, following his father’s races, getting involved in rally or GT3, and developing his simulation business.
“I try to spend as much time as possible with my family. I love being in Formula 1, but there are many races, so you always have to optimize the schedule. Whether it’s seeing my father race, in rally, doing GT3 or developing our simulation business, it’s incredibly exciting for the future.”
For Verstappen, the key to his longevity and his motivation lies in this consistency: staying true to oneself, on the track as well as off it, and continuing to pursue victory without regrets.
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