Max Verstappen believes drivers need more of a say in how F1 is run
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Red Bull's Max Verstappen has no desire to match Fernando Alonso’s 400 races, or continue racing into his 40s like old title rival and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton.
PHOTO: AFP
MEXICO CITY – Max Verstappen has yet to make peace with Formula One’s governing body (FIA) after being sanctioned for swearing in a press conference, but he is clear on what he would like to see happen in an ideal world.
“Drivers need to get more power,” Red Bull’s triple world champion said ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix on Oct 27.
“It’s a tough one, but this is something that is very important for the future, for the young drivers and not so much for us. If I’m not happy, I stop. It’s done.
“But the young kids that are now working towards their goal to get to Formula One, that is the main priority – to make sure that for them it’s not only going to get worse from what it is.”
Asked what he meant by more power, the Dutchman replied: “Voting rights. At least that we can actually be involved in the discussion.
“I mean that would be ideal. I know that it is very unlikely but, if you leave it up to the teams, it’s going to be a disaster because they only speak for themselves.”
The suggestion is unlikely to gain any traction with the powers that be, or those who pay the wages, but Verstappen has never been one to hold back on or off the track.
Heading for a fourth title in a row, and 57 points clear of McLaren’s Lando Norris with five rounds remaining, the 27-year-old also said he cares little about the big numbers.
Contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2028, Verstappen said he just wanted to have fun. He warned in September that the FIA’s stance on swearing could hasten his departure
He added he had no desire to match Fernando Alonso’s 400 races, a milestone the Spaniard reached in Mexico, or continue racing into his 40s like old title rival and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, who is currently 39 years old.
“Now that I’ve won championships and races, for me, my goals are completed in Formula One, so there’s a bit less pressure,” he said.
“I don’t care about winning eight titles or beating the win record. I know that I can do that but you need in a way luck as well, and for a long time that you are at the right team.
“Yes, I can continue until I’m 40 years old, but I don’t want to.”
Verstappen has won seven races so far this season, but is at present on a nine-race losing streak, even if his lead remains relatively comfortable. REUTERS
