Max Verstappen refuses to issue apology: 'That would be silly'

Max Verstappen believes apologising for his success in Formula 1 "would be silly" and that he does not feel "sorry" for his achievements. 

Now aged 28, Verstappen has claimed four world championships and 71 grand prix wins for Red Bull, with only three drivers claiming more titles - Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton (seven apiece) and Juan Manuel Fangio (five), with only Hamilton (105) and Schumacher (91) ahead of the Dutchman in terms of victories.

In the 2023 season, Verstappen shattered a host of records in the most dominant driver season of all-time, with 19 wins from 22 races, 575 points in the championship and becoming the first driver to lead over 1,000 laps in a single season (1,003).

During his time in grand prix racing, Verstappen has become known for his outspoken nature, delivering straight and brutally honest answers to questions, whilst also recently exploring other racing ventures, such as GT3 racing. 

An appearance in the Nurburgring 24 Hours in May has been confirmed as Verstappen explained why he refuses to apologise for his success.

"In general, I’ve been the same person," he told The Times.

"It’s just that sometimes your car is a bit better or worse, sometimes you’re the underdog, sometimes you’re dominating almost the whole season — probably that’s something people don’t like.

"That’s not my problem. I’m here to win, and I’m trying to win every race, right? That’s always the goal. Why would I feel sorry for success? That would be a bit silly.

"It’s better to be positively, let’s say, received. But the most important thing is that I’m true to myself, not just to look good to the outside. You either love it or hate it. I’m not there to make friends. I’m just myself. I’m always trying to be the same person on and off track.

"I’m still, of course, always trying to get the best result out of it, but one race win more, or less, one title more or less, is then a bit… put into perspective.

"I try to spend as much time as possible with my family. I enjoy being in Formula 1 [but] it’s a lot of races, so you need to always try and optimise that calendar. 

"Which, of course, is hard, but at the same time, I get a lot of motivation and fun out of being able to do other stuff.

"If that’s seeing my dad race, in rallying, the GT3 stuff or building the simulation business that we have, they’re incredibly exciting for the future."