Verstappen: "The rush, almost desperation, to win is gone"

Max Verstappen has his first world title in his pocket. In the first season where the Dutchman could compete for the title, he immediately managed to win the championship. Verstappen explained about his motivation for the upcoming season.

Verstappen is the first Dutch driver to win a Formula One world title. In 2022 he will start his eighth season in the sport already, but the 24-year-old is no less motivated.

"I want to win, but the rush, almost desperation, to win is gone. That doesn't mean I'm less motivated. In that respect, I'm still on the same level. Maybe I'm just more motivated because I want to do it again," said Verstappen in conversation with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

On Thursday, Red Bull Racing officially announced that the Dutchman has extended his contract through 2028. It is the longest contract ever in the history of F1. The trust between Verstappen and his team is therefore high.

In 2022, the Red Bull driver will drive with the number 1 on his car and together with his team he will do everything to defend the world title. Verstappen does feel "a little more relaxed" after winning his first title, but he will go for it full force again.