Max Verstappen Doesn’t Mind It Being Lonely at the Top: “It’s Just Nice”

What Red Bull and Max Verstappen put up in 2022 was one of the most dominant displays the F1 fans have witnessed. In many of the 15 wins, the Flying Dutchman drove effortlessly in front. One would think he would crave some sort of competition to fight for the chequered flag, but it turns out he does not.

Red Bull did not start the season on the best of notes. Verstappen DNF’d twice in the first three races and was behind Charles Leclerc by 46 points at one point in the season. The car suffered from reliability and weight-related issues, but the Milton-Keynes-based outfit was quick to rectify them.

Max Verstappen talks about the lack of resistance upfront

While Red Bull did their best to build the car that best suited Max Verstappen, the Dutchman made the most of it. He even managed to extract victories from races where he started as far back as P10 and P14. That shows the kind of dominance he has enjoyed throughout the season. Recently talking with Auto Motor und Sport, Max was asked whether he would like some competition in the front.

He answered, “Sometimes yes, sometimes no. In certain situations I wished for it. But sometimes it’s just nice to have a dominant car. In general, I hope that the field will move closer together.” [Translated using Google]

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Max also talked about the implications of the cost cap breach sanctions, which included a reduction in wind tunnel time. He told it will hurt them, but he was confident his team will pull through. Verstappen believes the momentum is with them and they know which direction to move in. However, the real repercussions will only be known as the next season progresses.

Red Bull Boss Christian Horner warns his team against resting on their laurels

As FIA released its verdict on Red Bull’s cost cap breach, Christian Horner termed the sanctions ‘draconian’. He explained how the reduction of wind tunnel time will hamper the next year’s car’s development. In light of this, he also his team to pull up their socks and be ready for a tough season ahead.

“You are learning every race,” GP Fans quoted Horner saying. “You learn in this business never to expect a quiet life, especially when you are running at the front.”

“Never be complacent about winning and enjoy every result, enjoy every victory and enjoy every moment because it is so well earned and it means so much that they should never be underestimated.”

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With FIA’s sanctions and Mercedes’ resurgence of late, things really could spice up next season. Who knows, maybe the competition could even arrive from some unexpected quarters.