Champion in Vegas? Verstappen Says, ‘You Can Handle It Yourself’

Max Verstappen’s Resilience in the Face of Pressure

Achieving top positions in a less competitive car than rivals may seem straightforward, but for Max Verstappen, it’s far from it. After qualifying in Mexico under intense pressure, where he finished second, he reiterated, “I hear from everyone that I’ll be the champion in Las Vegas. Well, let them try it themselves.”

Consistent Excellence Amidst Challenges

The consistency and remarkable skill displayed by Verstappen are unmatched in the current Formula 1 scene. Fellow driver and title contender Lando Norris acknowledged this as the circus rolled into Mexico City, which sits at an elevation of 2,240 meters. Norris believes that the level at which the reigning world champion performs in each Grand Prix truly deserves commendation. However, Verstappen remains modest about his accomplishments so far.

Strategizing for Success: A Closer Look at Qualifying

Despite facing difficulties throughout three practice sessions, Verstappen managed to secure a valuable position in qualifying, ending up behind Carlos Sainz in second place. “This is an incredible result. Even after a tough weekend filled with numerous issues, starting from the front row shows that we kept our composure,” he said, which speaks volumes about his mental fortitude.

Verstappen’s race day secrets? He claims there isn’t a specific magic formula. During his decisive lap, his initial time was invalidated due to exceeding track limits in turn two, but he still managed to deliver a competitive clocking. “The key is to remain as calm as possible under pressure. Qualifying, especially on a circuit like this, is tricky due to the reduced grip,” he explained. Reflecting on past mistakes, he admitted that those experiences have been vital for growth. “I had to be cautious in turns two and three, which cost me some time. However, even if I had pushed harder, I wouldn’t have beaten Carlos’ time,” Verstappen assured.

Race Day Expectations and the Quest for Victory

Looking ahead to the race, Verstappen remains optimistic about his starting position. He recalls past victories from pole, P2, and P3 in Mexico and underscores the importance of a solid start, stating, “It all depends on what happens in front of you, how others launch off the grid. I try not to overthink it, as anything can occur.” Although he prefers to focus on the road ahead, he is prepared to defend his position, a skill he showcased in Austin against Norris, igniting intense discussions about his actions during the race.

He acknowledges the potential challenges that lie ahead, indicating, “I do not expect miracles. I foresee a grid penalty for a new engine in the coming six weeks.” Observing competitors, he noted, “Ferrari was incredibly fast in Austin, and while McLaren may not seem quick in qualifying, they are highly competitive during the races. I believe they are the strongest during long runs.” With the expectation of facing faster cars, Verstappen still exudes confidence about his abilities, mentioning that he’d prefer a quicker vehicle to enhance his chances. “I feel like we’re extracting results even when we’re not the fastest. Back in Austin, I genuinely felt I had a shot at victory,” he admitted.

The prospect of clinching another race title in the current season remains uncertain for him. “It all depends on the circuit,” he commented. “Perhaps luck will be on our side in the upcoming events.” With a comfortable lead of 57 points over Norris, he maintains a safety net but emphasizes that the championship is anything but simple, reiterating once more, “I keep hearing that I’m going to be the champion in Las Vegas. Well, let’s see how others handle this pressure.”