Men of Influence magazine


Verstappen was speaking on his return to Red Bull’s headquarters for the first time since winning the title.

And the Dutchman admitted that his title win, achieved in controversial circumstances after a late-race safety car, had been fortunate.

“We have won it on track,” he said. “People say it was a lucky win. Absolutely, the win was very lucky.

“But we also have been very unlucky throughout the season, otherwise the championship would have been decided way earlier, even with the dominance Mercedes had towards the end of the season.

“I’m like, ‘Well, sometimes a little bit of luck in your life is nice as well.'”

The 24-year-old Dutchman’s driving has been criticised this year for being too forceful and he has been penalised a number of times for incidents with Hamilton.

But Verstappen said he did not expect to change his approach to wheel-to-wheel racing even if Formula 1 officials keep to their current line that he is not allowed to force drivers off the track when trying to attack or defend.

“Probably not because maybe I just have to make them realise, being forceful,” Verstappen said.

“I have a very good relationship with them. When I’m in there [the stewards’ office], it’s not like I don’t like them. I go to them and we have a good chat and we talk about it and it doesn’t go into my favour.

“It’s not like I then dislike them or whatever; I just don’t agree with what they decide.

“From my side, I’m like: ‘Well, that’s how I race and that’s how I think it’s fair but I don’t agree with that particular decision.'”

And he said he felt for race director Michael Masi, who has been heavily criticised for his handling of the race and a series of inconsistent decisions this year, and who is under pressure in his role.

“It’s a really tough job he has,” Verstappen said. “People say maybe he needs help. Yeah, fair point. Everyone needs help. I need help as well.

“Michael is a nice guy and he tries his very best and it’s very unfair to now start hating on him because it is a very tough job.”

Verstappen also spoke to BBC sports editor Dan Roan on Wednesday, covering a range of topics.

Here are the best bits from the interview.



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