Verstappen's simple math: 'If I finish in front, he won't be close'

Max Verstappen has a lot of confidence in his team. Although the Dutchman doesn't want to think about the title just yet, he knows that Red Bull has experience in title contention and that it can happen again this season as long as the car is fast enough.

"It's a great season with a lot of pole positions and a lot of Grand Prix wins, but the only real winner is the one who is on top at the end of the season", Verstappen soberly tells the NOS. "The math is very simple. If I always finish in front, Lewis Hamilton won't be close. If you win as many races as possible and are consistent, it makes your life a lot easier."

Verstappen predicts it will be a close fight with Hamilton at the Brazilian Grand Prix this weekend. "We have often performed well here, but Mercedes will be faster here than in Mexico. In 2019 I won the race, but then Lewis and I were close. I expect something similar, but the weather could also play a role."

Verstappen trusts his team

The Dutchman has great confidence in Red Bull Racing and is enjoying this season. "The team has been world champions four times already. They know what's involved. If the car is good enough in the next month, it's going to happen. When I started at Toro Rosso in 2015, I knew winning wasn't in it yet. Formula 1 has always been like that."

"Most teams are hopeless for the win. That's why I'm enjoying this year extra. I can't complain about my performance and my team. It's my finest F1 season. Not my easiest; I notice everyone is watching me even more. They try to make a story out of everything, but I focus on my task: accelerate."