Verstappen: 'Then it's harder to stay motivated'

Max Verstappen certainly has the talent to become the most successful F1 driver of all time. Whether he will indeed just keep going until he breaks all records, the world champion has expressed his reservations about that many times. But how will Verstappen keep himself motivated for the short term?

It has happened to many athletes in the past: after a succession of successes, they lose motivation and enjoyment. A good example is Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the best basketball player ever. After years of dominating the NBA with his team Chicago Bulls, he had no appetite for another tour of American stadiums. Jordan decided to rigorously turn his life upside down and focus on baseball. Without success, by the way, after which he eventually decided to return to the NBA.

Verstappen remains motivated

Max Verstappen has had plenty of successes in recent years. Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner already indicated that he does not expect Verstappen to be less motivated. But how do you do that, keep that focus? "I don't really think about it too much, to be honest," Verstappen responded to that question.

"Especially not comparing it to any other sport, because it all works a bit differently, I guess. I think in that way, F1 is quite unique. But I love driving. I think that's first and foremost, the most important to be here. Winning is, of course, the best thing in Formula One. So for me, naturally, the motivation is there, because I know that for most of the races that I go to, this year, I have a big chance of winning. So naturally, that's great."

Breaking point possible according to Verstappen

The motivation could become a lot less if Verstappen is at some point driving a car that cannot compete for the top prizes. "I think it's tougher when you have been in that position, and then you come to a race where it's not possible anymore. Then it's harder to find your motivation. Then you need to try and look into different places, and how you can keep that motivation going. But at the moment when you're on the top, I think it's probably easier than when you're maybe in the middle of the pack."