Verstappen enjoys this years F1 title battle more than last year
Aug.25 - Max Verstappen openly admits his championship battle with Ferrari and Charles Leclerc this year is more enjoyable than the fraught and ultra-intense contest of 2021.
The Dutchman and Red Bull's fight with Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes was one of the closest, bitterest and most controversial in years - but the reigning world champion says it didn't change him.
"How did it change me? At the level of me as a person, not at all," the 24-year-old told Sky Italia's Mara Sangiorgio. "I love to race and I like doing it with my team and I want to keep doing it as long as possible.
Max Verstappen (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
"If I look back to when I started, it was all new. Now, after years of experience, mistakes and positive things, I have learned a lot. I understand Formula 1 much better.
"However, you are never perfect - you can always learn and do better."
Verstappen is relieved, however, that although locked in another title battle with a talented rival in 2022, it is not once again with Hamilton and Mercedes.
"I prefer the current challenge with Charles over the past years with Lewis," he admitted.
"I know Charles very well, he's a good guy and we're the same age. We're also fighting against a respectable opponent like Ferrari. If they win, we can congratulate them and if we win, they can do the same.
"We also know the people in their team well - even Mattia Binotto, who I have an excellent relationship with. And not just him - Gino Rosato is always around making jokes which I think is fantastic and the meaning of racing.
"Tough competition on the track, always trying to beat the opponent, but outside you can get along. That is what I really appreciate about the current season," Verstappen said.
He said the current situation with Leclerc and Ferrari stands in stark contrast to what happened in 2021.
"Let's put it this way," said Max. "I wouldn't spend my Saturday night at the same table laughing with them. I don't know why.
"But the relationship I have at the moment with Ferrari is nice and in general I always have respect for Ferrari."
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Here's the bottom-line: "We're also fighting against a respectable opponent like Ferrari." That comments says it all. That's what Mercedes, and Dame Lucille have brought to F1 - "Conduct unbecoming".
There's a patina of je nes se quoi that coats everything Mercedes. Was it there before the Dame? Dunno - I think not. But it has certainly accreted with the WCC's and WDC's. Layer after crusty layer of arrogance and finally hubris have tainted heir achievements.
Yet, Ferrari and Red Bull remain as respectable competitors along with McLaren, Williams, Renault and others.
So are you saying that mercedes are pulling a lot of strings to their benefits.
It's more than pulling a few stings there, Squiffy.
Ferrari, Williams, McLaren have been around since Christ was a cowboy, and define the historical roots of F1 racing. Red Bull and others conduct themselves along the same lines.
I'm saying Mercedes has pissed in the pickle-jar with their "Uber-alles" beat-their-opponents-to-the-curb way of racing. They are well-heeled thugs who bullied their way to the top.
And now that they are struggling, bullied a bunch of rule changes through that will favor their design philosophy and punish those teams who differ.
So, not only has Mercedes diminished the purity of the sport, they have supported the politicization and distraction from the singleness of purpose necessary to maintain credibility.
Formula 1 would be infinitely better off without the corruption introduced and fostered by Mercedes.
Right, strong words and I do believe that you're right what's more, I don't believe a word jaxward says about you.
THX much.
LOL - I don't believe a word Jaxypoopoopants says either, but it sure is fun to push his buttons.
Of course.
Since 2010 in modern era and not all there winning that's remember it's employing an arse as a driver and looking like an arse by being filmed marching into an appeal with a shark in tow with a team manager who had zero managerial f1 exp before taking that job...No Michael No and who can forget ## manipulated Man lol
I don’t believe it’s any more complex than last year was a tough season-long battle between 2 very highly-skilled racers. Probably physically and emotionally draining for both racers and teams.
This year…CL and Ferrari are No.2 but have yet to get their personal and team s**t together to stress MV and Red Bull very much.
I’d be buying them beers too.