12 Oct 2023 at 09:52
Max Verstappen says he is not concerned with creating a legacy. The Dutchman joined an illustrious list this weekend with his third world title and also has several records and milestones in sight.
This means that the 26-year-old Verstappen can become number three on the list of drivers with the most Grand Prix victories this year. Only Lewis Hamilton (103 wins), Michael Schumacher (91 wins), Sebastian Vettel (53 wins) and Alain Prost (51 wins) have recorded more victories than 49-time Grand Prix winner Verstappen.
“Of course I want to win as many races as possible,” says Verstappen, who could pass Prost and Vettel this year. “On this list the gap between third and second place is quite big, so I hope I can finish somewhere in the middle. That would be nice.”
Verstappen still has a contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028. He has often said that it is not certain that he will extend that contract and repeated those words last weekend in Qatar, where he became world champion. “Although I have been active in this sport for many years, I am still young.”
“There are still plenty of years ahead where I can perform at my best. We’ll see how long that is exactly. To be honest, it’s mainly about how long I want to be here. Those are different things.”
Max Verstappen became Formula 1 world champion for the third time on Saturday. Photo: Getty Images
‘I have already achieved more than I ever dared to dream’
Verstappen realizes that his dominance in Formula 1 will end one day. “That’s why I’m trying to enjoy it extra now. I have already achieved more than I ever dared to dream. I don’t know where this will all end, but it is already perfect anyway.”
With his third world title, Verstappen drew level with Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna, Jackie Stewart and Nelson Piquet, among others. The Dutchman says he is not concerned with creating a legacy. “But it is of course great to be in such a list. They have each achieved so much in their careers. The fact that I am now among them gives a fantastic feeling.”
Verstappen and his fellow drivers will be in action next week in Austin, where the United States Grand Prix is on the program. There will then be racing in Mexico, Brazil, Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi.
2023-10-12 07:52:15
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