Title gives Verstappen peace of mind: 'Otherwise you might have switched teams'

We can expect more from Max Verstappen in the coming years. The Dutchman states in the documentary 'Verstappen - Lion Unleashed' by Viaplay, that he is much more relaxed from now on after achieving his ultimate dream.

For Verstappen, his whole life has been dominated by one goal: to become Formula 1 World Champion. From day one he has worked on this with father Jos and in 2021 that goal was finally achieved. The Red Bull Racing driver is far from finished with the sport, but he says he is much calmer.

Verstappen's goal

''My goal in life and racing has been achieved and then you feel a lot calmer inside,'' says the Limburger in the documentary that appeared on Viaplay on Tuesday. By winning the world title, Verstappen is not going to work less hard and cut corners, but at least the enormous pressure is off his shoulders.

''I'm a bit more relaxed now and that's probably a positive thing. Before, there was always that desire to win a championship. I really needed to. Now that I've achieved that, I can always look back on that. You can reflect a little better. I hope we can benefit from that during different situations in racing.''

Verstappen senior can rest

Jos Verstappen is also asked about the new situation Max is in. Now his son has become world champion and his biggest project has also succeeded. Jos himself made it to Formula 1 and was on the podium twice, but he never achieved victories or titles. He has now succeeded in doing so with his son. It feels like a relief to him.

''What Max says, it's a bonus. Winning the world championship was the goal and he succeeded. I think that also gives us rest. Otherwise you have to constantly push yourself. Maybe you would have changed teams to achieve this, but I'm so happy that we managed to take that title with Red Bull. They gave Max a chance to get into F1 and now we can move on for a long time'', concludes the former Formula One driver.