Fraser MasefieldFollowing a quite flawless pole to flag victory in the USGP in Austin, Texas, Max Verstappen is now in with a very real chance of defending his F1 drivers’ world title.
The Dutchman, who has won the last four titles, is now only 40 points adrift of leader Oscar Piastri. But with 25 points guaranteed for a race victory and five races still remaining, the form driver on the grid cannot be ruled out.
“I think what was key today was the start that Charles got in the middle of myself and Lando and then we just did the best we could,” Verstappen told the official Red Bull Racing website.
“We tried to manage the tyres the best way possible even though I think there was still some overheating going on, which we want to analyse. But we did good. To have a weekend like we did was perfect, and that’s what we need until the end of the season to have a chance, so that’s what we’ll try to focus on every single weekend.”
When pressed on the matter on whether he could realistically catch the McLaren duo and win the title in the post-race interview, the answer was unequivocal.
“Yeah, for sure, the chance is there. We just have to try to deliver these weekends now until the end. So yes, we will try whatever we can. It’s exciting.”
Should Verstappen pull off what appeared to be a lost cause only a few grands prix prior, he will become the first driver since the great Michael Schumacher to secure five successive drivers’ titles.
Schumacher achieved the feat driving for Ferrari from 2000-2004 and Verstappen stopped Lewis Hamilton from matching that achievement with his first and somewhat controversial drivers’ title at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
TEAM UP WITH ACRONIS
Motorsport Technology is an Acronis initiative, one of the leading players on worldwide Cyber Security and a key player in motorsport data protection.
The current partners of Prema F2, Hendrick Motorsports, Brad Jones Racing, Walkinshaw Andretti United and Grove Racing. They have previously partnered with Scuderia Toro Rosso, Racing Point, WilliamsF1 and Toyota GAZOO RACING amongst others.
Acronis has opened up an exciting #TeamUp Program, giving new and existing service providers the opportunity to support sports partnerships, join the sports ecosystem, attend races and enjoy amazing sports marketing benefits. To find out more, please visit Cyber Protection for global sports – Acronis
