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Brawn sees a different Verstappen: His mindset has changed

Brawn sees a different Verstappen: "His mindset has changed"

03-05-2021 15:44 Last update: 21:03
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GPblog.com

For the first time in his Formula 1 career, Max Verstappen seems to have a serious chance at the world title. The season is still early, but never before has he been so close to the Mercedes. Ross Brawn sees a different Verstappen.

Different mindset

Brawn, Formula One's sporting director, talks in his new column on the Official website of Formula 1 on Verstappen anno 2021. "It’s clear that Max Verstappen is approaching this championship in a different way because he finally has a title-winning car. His mindset has changed and he’s got an eye on the whole championship."

Verstappen needs this different mentality too, concludes Brawn. "When you’re a title contender, the focus has to be on consolidating when you’re not the fastest and when opportunities such as a mechanical issue for a rival or a Safety Car present themselves, you must be in a position to strike."

Fascinating title race

For Verstappen, the Portuguese Grand Prix was frustrating, Brawn believes, but he believes the Dutchman will accept that the championship will have ups and downs. "Barcelona will potentially be different in terms of conditions and the type of circuit. And Monaco will be the race between the two, because they will probably both be strong there."

In any case, we seem to be getting a real title fight again this year, something Brawn is also very much looking forward to. "We’ve had three races on three different tracks and on each, there has been a proper fight between Max and Lewis, which bodes very well for a fascinating title battle this year."