Verstappen compares 2023 title over previous triumphs

Max Verstappen has given his verdict on which Formula 1 title year was his favourite out of the three he has won in a row.

The Dutchman became a three-time F1 World Champion at this years Qatar Grand Prix, after a dominant and record-breaking year at the wheel of the RB19.

It was arguably one of his easiest title wins of his career, as he spent much of the season unchallenged and managed to score over double the amount of points of his nearest rival Sergio Perez.

The 2021 season was one of the most tense years, notwithstanding the controversial end which decided the outcome of the championship in Abu Dhabi.

Verstappen also endured controversy when he took his second title, when confusion over the amount of points being awarded during the suspended race in Japan led to uncertainty over whether he actually won.

When asked how he feels about winning a title without any caveats, Verstappen told media, including RacingNews365: "In ’21, people always talk about the last race, but I think a championship is won over the whole season, right?

"The same in ‘22. A little hiccup in Japan that takes a few more minutes to find out if your champion or not. For me, those kind of things, they don't really matter.

"I analyse my performances race after race and not only the race; how I handled leading up to run plays and stuff, or what I did off the track.

"That's why I think this year is performance-wise, definitely the best one. The first one has been the most emotional one. The middle one… is now the middle one."

Verstappen: I put a lot of pressure on myself

Verstappen admitted that while he would like to see more competition at the front of the grid, he does not necessarily need it to perform at his best.

"For F1 you would like to see more competition, but for me, I don't need any other team or like a team-mate to get the best out of myself," said the Dutchman.

"I'm putting a lot of pressure on myself to always try and be the best I can, try to prepare in the best possible way. That's what I enjoy and that's the only thing that I really look at."