Verstappen’s and Pink Bull’s run of 10 consecutive victories led to Singapore, when the workforce had an off weekend, and the Dutchman may end solely fifth.
Previous to Carlos Sainz’s victory for Ferrari there had been a whole lot of discuss Verstappen’s run of success being unhealthy for the world championship and its TV viewership, with Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei also expressing such sentiments.
Requested by Autosport in Suzuka if he may see a much bigger image of Sainz’s win being good for F1, Verstappen made it clear that he did not agree.
“Actually, I’ve zero curiosity in that,” he stated. “For me, it was simply we received overwhelmed, in a really clear approach. I do not take into consideration what is sweet for F1.
“I do not suppose it is essentially unhealthy what was occurring to F1, as a result of we have been simply higher than everybody else. And if folks cannot admire that, you then’re not an actual fan. However yeah, that is the way it goes.
“That is why I used to be additionally tremendous relaxed about it as a result of we did not carry out. Different folks did a greater job than us, then in fact they deserved to win. They should not win as a result of folks say it is boring that we’re successful.”
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Requested about his emotions after lacking out in Singapore, he stated: “No emotion. I imply, we stopped successful for one race. Shit occurs.
“We received 10 in a row earlier than that. In fact, I’d have favored to win there as effectively.
“However I additionally know that there’s at all times going to be a day you have got that weekend the place you are not successful, or issues go unsuitable. And yeah, sadly, it was that weekend, however we simply transfer on, and take a look at once more.”
Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing RB19, Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes F1 W14
Photograph by: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Images
Pink Bull boss Christian Horner has made it clear that the Milton Keynes workforce has switched its full R&D focus to its 2024 car, creating the potential for rivals to shut the hole within the final a part of the season.
Nevertheless, Verstappen is satisfied that he can win all of the remaining races.
“The rules aren’t actually altering that a lot,” stated the Dutchman. “In fact, we had our issues already set out when it comes to upgrades to stuff.
“However I nonetheless suppose that from now onwards, we are able to win each single race, even with folks bringing upgrades and stuff. It is regular, when some folks had a little bit of a troublesome begin to the 12 months they wish to study extra, and so they carry on creating for an extended time frame.
“I feel that is additionally what we have carried out prior to now. After which possibly right here and there they may have that chance of successful, however I nonetheless suppose that our automotive is able to successful each race.”
Requested if he was shocked that different groups have not closed the hole considerably because the season has gone on, he stated: “I used to be extra shocked at first. All of us I feel on the workforce anticipated it to be very shut. And it wasn’t at first.
“So then, in fact, all year long, I feel it is fairly a standard factor that folks begin wanting round and begin creating their very own concepts, and begin to get nearer. However for me, it was extra shocking at first.”