F1 drivers on Max Verstappen, Las Vegas GP: 'Nobody is unbeatable'

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

Following Max Verstappen's clinching of his fourth consecutive Formula 1 championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, his rivals were quick to acknowledge his achievements, yet they remained firm in their belief that the Red Bull champion is not invincible.

Verstappen, who edged out McLaren's Lando Norris with a crucial sixth-place finish on the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas, received congratulations from his competitors, but they also reiterated their competitive spirits. George Russell, who took the winner's trophy in Las Vegas, confidently stated to the press, "Nobody is unbeatable. You go through these phases where teams and drivers together are dominating and people think if I went up alongside them, I wouldn't be able to compete with them. But you have to have belief in yourself."

Russell's remarks reflect a resolute mindset among the drivers, suggesting that while Verstappen's recent performances have been outstanding, the gap is not as wide as it appears. Verstappen himself acknowledged the increased competition this season, having encountered several challenges that tested his resolve and intensified the championship battle.

Carlos Sainz of Ferrari, who concluded the race in third place, pointed out that the competitiveness of the season escalated when conditions leveled among the top teams. “As much as I think Max did an incredible job this year... the second half of the season just shows that when we are all in more of equal machinery, we can go up against each other and make each other's lives difficult," Sainz shared. He emphasized the psychological aspects of racing, noting, "Everyone starts making mistakes when they are under pressure. Everyone starts complaining about their car and everyone starts complaining in the media about their car. It's all about pressure management."

Despite a mid-season dip that saw Verstappen doubting his championship prospects, his resilience shone through as he and his team adjusted and pushed onward. “I'm very proud of how everyone stuck together in those very tough races where we lost," Verstappen reflected. Looking forward, he hinted at developments for the next season, "We have a lot of ideas for next year. A few things we couldn't change anymore this year so that is something for next year. I hope that makes the car more drivable and more competitive because I know the other ones are not sitting still."

As the Formula 1 caravan rolls into Qatar for the upcoming Grand Prix, and with the season finale in Abu Dhabi on the horizon, the narrative is set for what promises to be an electrifying conclusion to a fiercely contested season. This sentiment is clearly encapsulated in Verstappen’s anticipation of next year’s campaign, “Next year is going to be a big battle.”

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