Verstappen makes ‘forever’ Red Bull claim

Max Verstappen has claimed he is unperturbed by "legacy", whilst also questioning the value of using drivers' titles as a barometer for who is "actually the best" in F1.

The latter comment from the Dutchman could be considered a thinly veiled dig at his 2021 championship adversary, Lewis Hamilton, who has the joint-most drivers' titles in F1 - with Michael Schumacher - on seven.

The Briton is the undisputed most-decorated racer in the history of F1, with 105 grand prix victories and 104 pole positions, the only person clear of the century mark in both categories.

To the newly-crowned four-time F1 drivers' champion, legacy is not important. The 27-year-old does not believe such metrics hold much weight, given the 'right place at the right time' factor in securing championships. Instead, Verstappen is focused on his happiness.

“Am I bothered about a legacy? No," the Red Bull driver told PA. "I don’t value my success because of what other people say. If I am happy, that is all that matters.

“In sport, you also need a bit of luck to be in the right team for a long time. It doesn’t mean that the guy with the most titles is actually the best.”

Regardless of whether Verstappen recognises his own legacy or not, his recently-attained accolade of winning four consecutive drivers' titles has vaulted him onto the same plane as some of the all-time F1 greats, including Hamilton.

Many of his peers have cemented their status in F1 folklore by winning championships with different teams. However, despite existing ties and heavy speculation linking him to Mercedes, Verstappen does not feel the pull to prove himself elsewhere in the paddock.

“It is not like I need to try to win the world championship somewhere else," the 62-time grand prix winner added before again reiterating his preference for happiness: “That is not a desire from my side. I am just happy where I am at."

Further still, Verstappen argued there is something to be said for putting together an entire career with one team, win or lose.

"It would also be very beautiful if you just could stay with one team and race there forever," he added. "I would like to believe. That is the target."