Mind Games Begin at Red Bull as Max Verstappen’s “Champion Mentality” Grabs the Limelight Despite Sergio Perez’s Win
Follow Us
Red Bull‘s brilliance coupled with Max Verstappen‘s sheer class on the track has left many scratching their heads. If last year was a show of absolute dominance, then what would one call the display they have dished out until now in 2023? Despite starting from P15, Verstappen finished P2 and deservedly took the Driver of the Day as well. However, the Dutchman was never going to settle for the bare minimum. Helmut Marko recently revealed how the reigning champion tricked his teammate Sergio Perez to take the fastest lap and stay on top in the standings.
After dominating the 3 practice sessions, Verstappen ran out of luck during qualifying on Saturday. On a flying lap during Q2, Max complained of noticing something wrong with the car. He soon found himself on his way to the pit lane and, owing to a driveshaft failure, was ruled out of the rest of the qualifying. Despite that, fans rooted for him to take the top spot once again.
Fans laud Max Verstappen for his ruthless mentality despite Perez’s heroics in Jeddah
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
After realizing that he could not challenge Checo for the top spot anymore, Max played a sly trick on his teammate to get the fastest lap. In an interview with ORF, Helmut Marko told how he did that.
“Typical Max on the last lap with the fastest race lap. That was uncontrollable. That’s just Max. Both were constantly asking who had the fastest lap and Max waited until the last lap so Perez couldn’t counter. It means the lead in the world championship for him. We are very satisfied with the race,” Marko said.
Trending
Liam Lawson’s Surprise Contract Clause Threatens Daniel Ricciardo’s RB Seat
April 24, 2024 11:15 AM EDT
Daniel Ricciardo To Be Replaced by Liam Lawson After Miami, F1 Pundit Dishes Out Harsh Verdict After Australian’s “Amateur Mistake”
April 17, 2024 11:14 AM EDT
What Is Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino? Significance of Ferrari’s Historic Change to a Blue Livery for Miami GP
April 24, 2024 04:52 PM EDT
“[Charles] Leclerc Doesn’t Care About Ferrari”: F1 Insider’s Brutal Blow to Fred Vasseur & Co. Has Racing Community Lashing Out
April 24, 2024 05:00 PM EDT
F1 Rumor: Christian Horner and Wife Geri to Publicly Reveal All Details on Leaked Chat Scandal
April 22, 2024 04:10 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Have a look at how fans reacted to Marko’s statement, revealing how competitive the defending champ is.
As he should, exactly what I love about him. The ruthlessness, champion mentality and not settling for the bare minimum. https://t.co/yZa5UWai3n
— Lis (@rbrblis) March 20, 2023
The difference in mentality. One settled for just the win, although he was told he was free to push. While the other knew FL mattered too. https://t.co/UfDhRWyO8k
— val (@valdef_f1) March 20, 2023
He's so smart and ruthless. I love him https://t.co/h0ykhuipMM
— Sara (@SaraMoney08) March 20, 2023
I think everyone saw that coming, he managed his tyres and waited for the fuel level to be lowest possible and attacked in the last lap. Checo should have done the same but he didn't
— Hamza (@Hamza20220524) March 20, 2023
Some were afraid the two Red Bull drivers were going to develop a rivalry if they were both this competitive.
I can't cope an intra team rivalry between these two😭
— Dan (@deathwhistle12) March 20, 2023
Winning mentality🤌🐐 https://t.co/9lallAkWWZ
— Fearly (@Foorlii) March 20, 2023
Another fan felt this was exactly what separated the Dutchman from the rest of the grid.
he is so intelligent that’s what sets him apart from the others https://t.co/igDrra6ig3
— XIAOJUNS PHANTOM 🎭 (@MyDinoDejun) March 20, 2023
There's a certain point on lap 43-45 where Max were backing off his pace quite massively to the point that his gap to Perez was grown from 4.7s to 7s. I believe he did that to prepared for his fastest lap attempt on the last lap (saving battery, cool down the tyres, etc). https://t.co/4KFnaRi42B
— Rez (@TraxionControl) March 20, 2023
the day he loses this mentality is the day I know he's retiring https://t.co/dDoDlL5JaY
— blueprint never erased 🖤 (@BNE094) March 20, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: Max Verstappen’s cute cats
Max has big bollocks and doesn't give a fuck my GOAT https://t.co/ng1UXpjwVY
— Super Max 🦁🏴🇳🇱🏆🏆 (@dangerkl) March 20, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Currently, there is just one point separating Verstappen and Perez. If this is the way they are both going to go about their business this year, fans surely are in for a treat.
Edited by:
Akash Pandhare