Verstappen has new chance for record in Portugal: "I'm not really looking at that"

There have only been two Grands Prix so far, but Max Verstappen is still very much in the hunt for the world title, something we couldn't say in previous years. It is to be hoped for him that Red Bull Racing's good form continues at all circuits. Portimao should be no exception.

"It was difficult last year because there was new asphalt at Portimao, so it was very slippery," says Verstappen on his own website. "Hopefully that's better now. I'm looking forward to racing there again because it's a great circuit. So far this year we seem more competitive than last year, so hopefully it will be the same in Portugal."

If Verstappen finishes ahead of Hamilton here, he will normally (Norris and Leclerc also have theoretical chances to take over the lead) lead the world championship for the first time in his career. This would also make him the first Dutchman to do so. However, as we are used to from Verstappen, he approaches this situation very soberly. "It's still a long season and I'm not really looking at that," is his typical reaction.

That things are looking good for him this season is clear, but Verstappen doesn't want to count himself rich just yet. He therefore contradicts that 2021 is a turning point in the balance of power between Mercedes and Red Bull Racing. "I don't see it like that. It's an ongoing process of trying to get closer and closer to Mercedes."