Max Verstappen only needed to score three points to mathematically certify the title that accredited him as world champion and the Red Bull driver did not want to wait for Sunday's race. He crossed into second place in the Sprint race and sealed his third Formula 1 championship title. “It has been an incredible year, with many good races. It is an honor to be a three-time champion and I am proud of the work we have done, it has been great to be part of this team,” said a jubilant Verstappen after finishing the race.
“It's something you dream about. A moment of pride for me, for my family, for everyone on the team... Being able to experience this together is incredible and I have told you so on the radio. This whole work environment and what I enjoy about working with them is almost more important,” said the Red Bull driver.
For the Dutchman, this is the best of the three world titles he has won so far: “This is the best. The first was the most emotional, it is when you fulfill your dreams in Formula 1, but this has undoubtedly been my best year in F1. Record of consecutive victories, the car has always been great… it is the year I am happiest because of the consistency we have had.”
The Dutch driver is not satisfied with his third crown and is already thinking about continuing to extend his good streak: “We will continue pushing and doing our best. Now I am enjoying the moment, but I hope to continue with this momentum in the future.”
Christian Horner, Red Bull team manager, has joined in congratulating the driver: “He joins the greatest in this sport: Senna, Piquet, Lauda… what he has achieved is incredible, he should be very proud.” And he promises more success in the future: “Surely, and more tomorrow,” he assured.
Jos Verstappen, the driver's father, recalled excitedly what the path they have traveled together has been like until Max became a triple world champion: “We had this dream together. We worked very hard first in karts and then in Formula 1. When you win a few races you want to win a championship and… we have already won three.” “It's never easy. He is working hard, focused when he has to be and with engineers who know very well what he wants,” he said. Asked what could be improved for the future, he answered honestly: “I don't know what can be done better than this, but as long as it continues to perform as it has up to now we will be delighted.”
Verstappen came second behind Oscar Piastri, whom he praised for his good race: “A shame about the safety cars, but it was a fun race. Oscar has had a great career and it has not been easy. I tried to reach it, but I couldn't in the end."
He assured that he did not take victory for granted until today's race was over: “It hasn't been until this moment. Of course things were improving and the distance was increasing, but I tried to get the best out of myself every race because dreaming doesn't get you anywhere, you have to work to fulfill your dreams," he said.
The Red Bull driver was congratulated on the radio as soon as he crossed the finish line and did not hesitate to thank his entire team for the work and effort that has allowed him to become Formula 1 world champion for the third time in his career. It's been an incredible year, I can't thank you enough for all the work you've done. Thank you very much,” he said before getting out of the car and running to hug his mechanics to celebrate this great moment.
Max Verstappen is already world champion, but he can continue to expand his victory tally in tomorrow's race in Qatar. So far he has won 13 races this season, which has earned him entry into the select club of three-time champions, surpassing motorsport legends such as Senna, Hamilton and Schumacher in precocity.
