Verstappen has more than just victory on his mind ahead of United States GP
Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
Tobia is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog with experience at international circuits. Since 2022, he has covered Grands Prix across Europe, delivering reliable coverage and insights from the paddock.
Max Verstappen has made clear that he intends to make life difficult for Kimi Antonelli at the United States Grand Prix, where the Mercedes driver has the first mathematical opportunity to secure his maiden Formula 1 title. Speaking during the drivers' parade in Austin, the Dutchman praised his young rival but insisted that he will do everything possible to challenge him on track.
Antonelli starts the race from pole position, with Verstappen alongside him on the front row. The Italian could mathematically secure his maiden world title in Austin, although his chances also depend on where Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finish. This makes securing the championship in Texas particularly challenging, while Verstappen remains determined to fight for victory.
During the drivers' parade, Verstappen was asked about competing against Antonelli, a driver he considers a friend, as the Mercedes youngster approaches a potentially historic achievement.
The four-time world champion acknowledged the Italian's impressive campaign before outlining his intentions for today's race: "He's doing really well. It's really special to see such a young driver, of course, fighting for his first title. We're going to try and give it a good go today and try, of course, make it as difficult as possible."
Photo: Race Pictures
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Verstappen expects close battle at the front
Beyond the championship implications, the Dutchman anticipates a competitive afternoon in Austin, with several drivers potentially involved in the fight at the front. Verstappen highlighted the difficulty of finding the right balance between the circuit's slower and faster sections, while also pointing to the windy conditions as another factor that could influence the race.
"It's just trying to always get everything together, low speed, high speed, and it's quite tricky. It's quite windy again today, but we'll see. I think it will be quite close between a lot of cars, and of course, I hope that we are on the good side."
With Verstappen lining up second, the start could provide an immediate opportunity to challenge Antonelli for the lead. However, the Red Bull driver explained that he prefers not to visualise the opening moments of a Grand Prix beforehand.
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Asked whether he was already imagining the start, Verstappen replied: "I never do that. I just go in and drive and see what we can do."
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