Maxing out in style
> Verstappen – Malaysia this year, the world next
MAX VERSTAPPEN, winner of the final Malaysian Grand Prix. That is what will be written in the history books after the Dutchman marked the weekend of his 20th birthday by winning the final race at the circuit for the foreseeable future.
A promising young driver who has earned praise from the likes of Niki Lauda and Toto Wolff, Verstappen dismissed rumours that he is leaving Red Bull Racing to join rivals Mercedes.
“I am definitely going to be with Red Bull next year, I am not going anywhere,” he said during an exclusive interview with the Sun courtesy of sponsors Hisense.
The Malaysian GP brought the curtain down after 19 years of Formula 1 racing, where we have seen maiden victories, arguing teammates, sunny days, lots of rain, and many more memories.
“It’s a shame that this is the final race is Malaysia. I have always liked this track. It’s has really fast corners and it is very physical,” said Max Verstappen ahead of his second championship win in Malaysia.
“There’s always a lot of action on the track, so it is never a boring race. We are all definitely going to miss Sepang.
“But we’ll see, maybe in the future we will come back,” he said.
Verstappen, who started third on the grid, overtook pole sitter Lewis Hamilton on the fourth lap of 56 at the 5.543km Sepang International Circuit and, with Mercedes struggling for pace, had no problem in cruising to victory.
Prior to his maiden Malaysian victory, Verstappen was the youngest winner in F1 history when he won the 2016 Spanish GP. And under a new F1 rule, he will remain the youngest.
The new rule states drivers will have to be at least 18 to receive a super licence in order to compete in Formula One, and must also have spent two years “running in minor formulas”.
In order to meet safety criteria, in addition to being at least 18 years old, drivers must also meet a “valid driving licence requirement” and demonstrate their knowledge of the Formula One Sporting Regulations and the International Sporting Code.
To fulfil the experience requirements drivers must have spent two seasons in junior formulae and covered a minimum of 300km in a current specification Formula One car or one which complies with recent technical regulations.
Even though the son of former Minardi, Arrows, Honda and Benetton driver Jos Verstappen, Max said no one inspired him to join F1.
“I never really looked up to someone because I really only wanted to be myself. You can learn from people but for me I didn’t really look up to anyone.
“Of course, I had my father who is always there guiding me and giving me tips, and that’s what I really needed.”
In 2016, Lauda, non executive chairman of the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team, slammed Verstappen for being a “stupid” and “arrogant” driver. He also said that Verstappen belongs in “a mental institution with his reckless driving”.
Asked to comment on that put-down, Verstappen answered: “I don’t think I am a reckless driver. In the heat of the moment, drivers, ex drivers can say a lot of things. I say them a lot of times too.”
Ambitious Verstappen has set a timeline on when he is going to be world champion - and it isn’t far away.
“I hope next year is my year. I am aiming to be the world champion next year. It’s not entirely up to me because in F1 you need a bit of luck. I am in the right car and luckily I am still very young.
“Even when you are young you want to win races and win the world championship. And I hope I can do it next year.”
By winning the Malaysian GP he has demonstrated that is no idle boast.