Max Verstappen ‘not thinking’ about winning 2024 title at Las Vegas GP after incredible Interlagos triumph
Despite increasing his lead in the driver's title, Max Verstappen asserted that he does not want to hurry to win the 2024 championship.
Follow Us
Max Verstappen speaking (via Total Motorsport)
With Max Verstappen winning the 2024 Brazilian GP, he extended his lead in the driver’s championship to 62 points over Lando Norris. This has opened the door for the Dutchman to seal off the championship at the next round in Las Vegas. However, he admitted that he does not think about winning his fourth driver’s championship in America amidst the myriad of requirements for him to win the title in the next round.
Lando Norris began the race on pole while Max Verstappen started in 17th. This gave the Brit a huge chance to reduce his deficit in the championship to the Dutchman from 44 points before the Grand Prix to quite possibly 19 points. However, the race was full of chaos but one thing remained constant, Verstappen’s ability to drive the RB20 in torrential conditions was fabulous. This helped him get to the front of the field with an opportunistic red flag.
All the while, Norris slipped down to sixth despite starting from pole. This had a significant impact on the standings as the 27-year-old’s lead grew by a huge chunk. But Verstappen insisted that he wants to have some clean races in the subsequent rounds and does not think about winning the championship in Las Vegas, where he only needs to not get outscored by Norris by more than two points.
This was now. Of course looking at it, it was incredibly important because in a way I was expecting to lose points today. So from now, I just want clean races to the end. I am not thinking about clinching the championship in Vegas or whatever. I just want clean races.
Max Verstappen said (via GPBlog)
With the reigning champion’s victory in Brazil, Red Bull gained points on both of its nearest rivals for the first time in ages. This brought the Austrian squad within 13 points of Ferrari up ahead and McLaren was also not far away, which enhanced the importance of Verstappen winning in Brazil.
Max Verstappen revealed moment when he realized he had the pace to win
Though Verstappen’s Interlagos win seemingly came at a track where he has had a fair chunk of success, this time the possibility of him winning was possibly the slimmest. However, this did not hold him back as he’s known for his ability to race in wet weather conditions and the recent race was no different.
Subsequently, the Red Bull driver revealed the moment when he realized that he possibly had the pace to win the race.
After passing a few cars with one or two laps of free air and being fastest on the track, I knew, OK, we are quick. I just need to try and pass the guys and have a run to the front.
Max Verstappen said via F1TV
Thus, Verstappen’s fourth driver title is understood to be heading his way. So the Englishman would quite likely have to wait for at least the next season to fight for the elusive driver’s championship. The ongoing campaign has only three rounds remaining on the calendar.
Stay Updated!
Geetansh Pasricha
(772 Articles Published)