After winning his third Formula 1 World Championship, Max Verstappen says an important trait stayed which enabled him to become third in the all-time win list.
Max Verstappen has revealed a crucial “mindset” trait that enabled him to add to his tally of wins in 2023 and reach third in the all-time list.
The Dutchman took 13 victories by the time his third world title was wrapped up during the Qatar Grand Prix, after rival Sergio Perez crashed during the Sprint race on Saturday.
Many felt that he would not be as competitive once the title for both Drivers’ and Constructors’ was sealed, but Verstappen continued to add to his victories with further wins in Qatar, USA, Mexico City, São Paulo, Las Vegas, and Abu Dhabi.
This put him third in the all-time win list ahead of Sebastian Vettel, with the only other drivers ahead of him Michael Schumacher (91) and Lewis Hamilton (103).
When asked what kept him motivated, Verstappen told media, including RacingNews365: “I do think that that is just how I grew up. I can’t just come into a weekend not giving it all.
“I just get annoyed with myself and I know the people around me get annoyed with me if I would be like that.”
The Dutchman reveals that he continued to chase victories in the dominant RB19, in doing so breaking his own record of 15 wins in 2022 and reaching 19 wins in 2023.
“My mindset also didn’t change after winning the championship. I come to the race weekends and I always try to do the best I can,” said Verstappen.
“Why would I not want to win when you have the opportunity to win? When I see that there is of course the opportunity to win, I will always try to do the best I can and also for the team.
“When you have such a good car, you want to try and extend certain records and do well.”