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<\/a>\n <\/p>\nDuring Thursday\u2019s press conference in Austin, Max Verstappen spoke about his chances in the title fight and the strength of his rivals this season. He also reflected on the invaluable support of his father, Jos: \u201cHe shaped me into who I am today.\u201d<\/p>\n
With six races remaining, Verstappen faces a 63-point deficit to Oscar Piastri in the championship standings. Having claimed the title with dominance over the past three seasons, this year\u2019s battle looks different, but the Dutchman remains unfazed. \u201cI see every race weekend as an opportunity to win,\u201d he says matter-of-factly.<\/p>\n
Recent results have given him confidence, though Max knows there\u2019s still room for improvement: \u201cThe last three weekends have been very nice, some better than others. In Singapore, we didn\u2019t maximise the potential of the car, but we\u2019ve analysed that. This weekend we\u2019ll try to do better. Austin is a great track to drive, and I\u2019m curious to see what we can do.\u201d<\/p>\n
When asked about his title chances, Max stays light-hearted. When asked for a percentage, he laughs: \u201cFifty-fifty. You win, or you don\u2019t.\u201d Looking ahead to the final stretch of the season, he adds: \u201cIt\u2019s not guaranteed that the car will work everywhere. We take it race by race and fine-tune everything each weekend. For much of the season, we weren\u2019t really in the championship fight, but lately we\u2019ve had some strong results. And if the car is quick enough to fight for top positions, I\u2019ll be there. It\u2019s that simple.\u201d<\/p>\n
Unlike in previous seasons, when he approached the final races with a comfortable lead, Max now faces a catch-up race. Still, he doesn\u2019t feel the pressure: \u201cOf course, it\u2019s nicer to be in front, but I see every race as an opportunity to win. And if we don\u2019t, we don\u2019t. It\u2019s not that dramatic, it doesn\u2019t put any pressure on me. It helps that I\u2019ve already won before.\u201d<\/p>\n Within Oracle Red Bull Racing, the atmosphere remains positive, according to Max. The team\u2019s recent results have boosted confidence. \u201cIt\u2019s a good atmosphere. We\u2019re understanding much more what the car can do and how it needs to be driven.\u201d At the same time, he acknowledges the strength of the competition: \u201cMcLaren are still quite strong in the medium-speed corners, that is still the strength of their car. The rest depends on the circuit and conditions.\u201d<\/p>\n Toward the end of the press conference, the topic turns to his father, Jos Verstappen. According to the World Champion, Jos\u2019s influence on his career has been immense. \u201cI have so many great memories,\u201d says Max. \u201cThe most impressive thing is his knowledge of racing, tuning, and setting up cars and go-karts. He taught me that from a very young age. That shaped me into who I am today, not just as a driver, but also in terms of knowledge.\u201d<\/p>\n That knowledge continues to be valuable to this day. \u201cWe still discuss so much of these things: Formula 1 cars, his rally cars, my GT3 team. I don\u2019t think he wants to be one, but he\u2019d make a good team boss because of his technical understanding of the car, and the way he sees how things can be faster and better,\u201d Max smiles. What stands out most to him, however, is his father\u2019s dedication: \u201cHe gave up so many years and paused his own career so that I could race. He gave 110 percent. I\u2019ve never seen someone that committed to giving his son the best opportunities.\u201d<\/p>\n Contest GP Austin: win a by Max Verstappen signed Red Bull Racing cap!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a> <\/a><\/p>\n
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