Often Criticized for Being Arrogant, Max Verstappen Responds Modestly to the GOAT Debate

F1 fans are aware of what two-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen had always dreamed of. The Dutchman has grown significantly since his championship fight with Lewis Hamilton in 2021, and now that he has 35 Grand Prix victories and two championships to his name, he feels he has achieved everything and simply wants to focus on his upcoming obligations and the next racing events.

The way Verstappen drove last season likely gave us all the best definition of the “Mad Max” persona the Dutchman embodies. In 22 races, the Red Bull star claimed 15 victories, setting a record for most victories in a season. Numerous F1 analysts have put him among the top Formula 1 drivers as a result of his skill behind the wheel. In fact, the former 2016 world champion, Nico Rosberg, put him in the same category as the other legends. The statistics are available for everyone to see if they have even the least doubt about the Dutchman’s competence.

Being the favorite to win the 2023 championship as well, if Verstappen actually does so, he would be put in the same category as the GOATs, Niki Lauda, and Ayrton Senna, in terms of the number of titles. However, the two-time champion, who is termed ‘Arrogant’, is not concerned with any of these statistics, and he is not worried about where he ranks among the GOATs.

According to Racer, Verstappen said, “I think I already achieved more than I could ever dream of, so for me I always just try to get the best out of myself,” he said. I don’t really think about where I am between all of the all-time greats in terms of championships or wins. I just want to do my job. But I’ve never really been a guy that likes statistics or whatever.”

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Although Verstappen has already achieved his dream, the Red Bull team boss Christian Horner is certain that the Dutchman will be the one to beat in the upcoming season and will probably be the one to win his third consecutive championship.

Christian Horner believes Max Verstappen will rule the 2023 season as well

Since beating Lewis Hamilton in contentious circumstances in 2021, Max Verstappen has been making headlines for his outstanding performance. He has been paired with Sergio Perez for the previous two years, and they have been getting along really well. However, in response to a question regarding Sergio Perez being able to match the lightning-quick speed of Verstappen, Christian Horner claimed that is highly improbable and also that Verstappen will be the one to defeat in the upcoming season.

On the Auto Motor und Sport’s Formel Schmidt podcast, Christian Horner said,” The form that Max has been in means he is the man to beat. He’s the reigning world champion and Checo has to strive for that, otherwise, why is he competing?”

“But I think the reality is that in all probability, Max over the season is likely to be the [main] candidate for the world championship. But Checo has the capability to be right there, we need both drivers performing at the best of their ability for the constructors’ championship.” 

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The new season will begin in a few weeks, and we’ll soon find out whether Red Bull were able to overcome the Wind Tunnel hurdle.