Winner in Japan of a Grand Prix “confused” Sunday October 9, the Dutchman Max Verstappen (Red Bull) returned to a press conference on the emotion around his second coronation. He also explained how he realized he was officially titled, and shared some goals for the future.
You were champion in confusion, after an interrupted, shortened race in the rain, and after a penalty from Charles Leclerc announced after the race. When exactly did you realize you were a champion?
Max Verstappen : During the race, I had no idea what they were going to decide with the points. Once I crossed the line, I thought to myself ‘ok, it was an incredible race, still good points but not yet world champion‘. Then I did my interview and suddenly my mechanics started congratulating me. I said to myself, ‘what is happening ?’. And then I realized that Checo (Pérez) was second instead of Charles (Leclerc). I still didn’t know if I had all the points. Then the FIA told me yes, I was world champion. We celebrated but then people were telling me that I was still missing a point… Unbelievable, it was weird. But eventually we had enough points and I was world champion again.
Isn’t it problematic to win a title under these conditions?
I don’t mind that it’s a little confusing. I actually find it quite funny. In the end, it doesn’t change anything. Honestly, these are really complex situations. If there are not enough rules, it is not good, if there are too many, it is not good either. It’s always very difficult to find a happy medium.
“Champion? Not Champion?”
Even Max had to be convinced! #JapaneseGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/kiJXb283RN
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 9, 2022
How do you feel after this second consecutive title?
It makes you think about the whole season. It’s very important to see what the whole team has achieved. A season like this is quite special, it doesn’t happen often, and that’s why we have to enjoy and thank the whole team behind it. I think it would be very difficult to replicate a season like this.
Which title is the tastiest?
The first championship is undoubtedly the most emotional but this one is certainly the best, just in terms of performance. It’s a very different emotion. Last year, until the last race, it was probably the worst feeling. At that time, I don’t think we were the fastest, so that didn’t help. This year we had a bad start but we worked hard and made almost no mistakes. VSIt was very, very different emotionally. Both are beautiful and both are fun to be with, because it’s good to have the pressure and to have to give your best on every lap of every race. But not for too many years in a row, so I’m very happy with the year we had this time around.
What is your goal now?
I still have a few years left in F1, so hopefully we can be competitive for a few more years. I want to win more races and try to win more titles. But that won’t change what I’ve already accomplished that I’m really proud of. If we can keep our team involved together this year, I think we are capable of even more great seasons.