Max Verstappen says he "cannot compare" his two Formula 1 World Championship titles - and that he is "not a robot" in the car. Verstappen wrapped up his second crown at the Japanese Grand Prix after a rules quirk awarded full points for the 28-lap rain-affected affair and a late time penalty for nearest rival Charles Leclerc. It meant he left Suzuka with a 113 point lead in the standings, with 112 left on the table. With 12 wins from 18 races, Verstappen has dominated the 2022 season, but the 25-year-old believe it is impossible to compare this title to the one he snatched from Lewis Hamilton's grasp on the last lap of the 2021 season in Abu Dhabi.
Verstappen "cannot compare"
"I said before, it's just different because of the whole season," Verstappen explained to media after claiming that second title. "I mean, already last year, [it] was very special for me winning a title. But this year has been already [special] because of the cars being very different. "Also the way we were working as a team was okay, we had a tough start [with DNFs in Bahrain and Australia allowing Leclerc to open up a 46 point championship lead after three races]. "[After that,] I think after that we really worked well as a team, we barely made any mistakes, but the two years, you cannot compare [as so much is different.]"
Performance levels always changing
Verstappen also rejected claims he's been driving better in 2022, believing his strong performances have been part of his process to always try and improve and get better. "I think you always look back at a year, [and say]: 'What can I do better?," he explained. "You always try to be a more complete driver, but you're not a robot, you make mistakes, everyone makes mistakes. "It's all about trying to minimise that and just minimise risk as well in some situations. "Sometimes that works a bit better than other times. But overall, I think throughout the whole season, it's been working very well."
Most read
