Max Verstappen Stands Firm Despite Scathing “Egoist” Accusations: “Every Step I Take Out There…”

The man on a hunt for his third title in a row, Max Verstappen, is infamous for not being the kindest. While that is the very quality that brought home both championships for Red Bull in 2022, the media sometimes is not very fond of it. Verstappen has often been criticized for his aggressive driving, on occasions costing rivals their race. Case in point; his battles with Hamilton where he did not back down. While he doesn’t make promises about his interaction with the others, he vouches that he is a team player.

For people who live under a rock, the context to Max’s most self-centered doing in recent times is last year’s Brazilian GP, where he rudely refused to give up his spot in favor of Sergio Perez. The media crucified Verstappen for the treatment towards the Mexican. However, a few months later, the team shouldered the blame for the drama. But by that time, the damage to Max’s already ruthless reputation had already been cemented. However, Max denies only thinking only of himself on the track.

Refuting the interpretation of the onlookers, in an interview with Sports Illustrated Germany, Max said, “I wouldn’t say I’m a ‘selfish’ on the track as we always work as a team. […] I’m never completely alone on the track. I know that every step I take out there , has an impact on the team at the track and in the factory.” [Translated using Google]

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But has the double world championship calmed himself or will he still continue to be out for blood like in the previous season?

Have the world titles changed Max Verstappen?

The man pulled an Alonso when he defeated the reigning hepta world champion to clinch his first title. While the first title became a controversial one, the second saw the Dutch Lion break records to clinch it. Even the dominance of Verstappen with 15 race wins of 22 in the last season didn’t make the golden boy of Red Bull come out and make saintly declarations about being a changed man.

In the same interview, he said, “I think people would probably expect me to say that winning world titles has changed me, but I don’t think that’s the case. The pressure is just a little less now. I want more titles fighting and hope that we can be competitive as a team for a long time to come.” [Translated using Google]

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With the 2023 season set to be underway in less than a month’s time, do you think Verstappen can make it a hat-trick of titles?