22 November 2023 , 09:56
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Max Verstappen is so dominant in Formula 1 because of his unrivalled work ethic, according to David Croft, who has given an insight into his gruelling schedule.
Verstappen has won his third successive world championship this season, having won 18 of the 21 races in the 2023 calendar. He has run away with the title and victory at the Las Vegas Grand Prix saw him level Sebastian Vettel on 53 career wins, putting him third in the all-time list behind only Michael Schumacher (91) and Lewis Hamilton (103).
The Dutchman’s Red Bull has played a major part in his success, but Verstappen also puts in the hard yards. The 26-year-old takes an obsessive approach to his preparation and Sky Sports commentator Croft gave an illuminating example after the win in Las Vegas.
He told Sky Sports: “I had a little chat with him in Austin, I said: ‘What’s your schedule like for the next few weeks?’ and he was telling me he was going here, going there. I said: ‘Bit of a rest though between Brazil and Las Vegas?’
“He said: ‘No, I am going back to Milton Keynes. I am going to be in the sim for a couple of days.’ I said: ‘Why? You’re world champion.’ He said: ‘I would kick myself if I didn’t do it, if I didn’t put the effort in and I came to Vegas and I didn’t win’. And that’s the dedication that makes you a champion.”
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Verstappen had a two-week break between winning the Brazilian Grand Prix and the mega event in Nevada this month. And although he had already long ago confirmed his title, Verstappen did not follow the lead of many of his colleagues by taking a well-earned rest.
His work with the Red Bull team in the break certainly worked, with Verstappen overcoming the unpredictability in Las Vegas to take the chequered flag. Verstappen had been damning of the event, claiming it was “National League” to Monaco’s Champions League, but he admitted it was “definitely a lot of fun” after his victory.
Max Verstappen won in Las Vegas after practising in between races (AP)"Well, I always expected it to be a good race today," he added. "Long straights, low speed corners, you don't lose a lot of downforce. That's never been my issue. Today was fun. That's the only thing I want to say about it. Today was fun, I hope everyone enjoyed it. I think the DRS effect was strong but good. It made it for fun racing out there."
Verstappen can finish the season with yet another win when F1 travels to the Middle East for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend. Even if he doesn’t win, Verstappen can pick up his 21st podium finish of the season to extend his own single-season record.