Max Verstappen unfazed by new F1 position as world title fight heats up

Max Verstappen is unfazed by acquiring a new position in the F1 title race, being the driver hunting rivals down as opposed to the hunted.

Verstappen finds himself 63 points behind points leader Oscar Piastri heading into the United States GP, having reduced that deficit from 104 after the Dutch Grand Prix, through two wins and two second places.

There are a total of 174 left up for grabs across the final six rounds, including three Sprints, with Verstappen not being in such a position during his four-year run as world champion of trying to hunt down other drivers to win the title.

Analysing the new situation, the Dutchman explained that he would simply do his best and try to achieve the best possible results for his Red Bull team.

Asked for his chances of winning the title, Verstappen told media, including RacingNews365, "50-50, you either win it or you don’t.

"This car is a bit different to the previous one, so it’s not a guarantee that it works everywhere. I prefer to just look at it race by race. We’ll try to do our best here and then move on and see what we get."

When pushed by RacingNews365, how the 50-50 assessment affected his role as the hunter rather than the hunted, Verstappen added he did not often think about the scenario.

"I don’t really think about it too much; it is as simple as that," he said.

"I come to the race weekend, try to do everything I can in the car, it doesn’t matter if I’m behind or in front. Naturally, of course, it’s nicer to be in front because it means you’re leading the championship.

"But I see every race weekend as an opportunity to try and win. If we don’t, we don’t. Life goes on; it’s not dramatic. It doesn’t put any pressure. 

"I guess it helps that I’ve already won [four championships], but as a team, we’re still trying to understand the car a bit more, learn more for next year as well. It’s not like you completely start over next year."