Verstappen points to ‘crazy’ reality ahead of new F1 season

Max Verstappen has stated it is “crazy” to acknowledge he is entering his 11th F1 season this year.

Verstappen joined the F1 grid in 2015 with Toro Rosso, setting a new record as the youngest-ever driver to race in the sport.

It's an achievement that remains in place to this day, with Verstappen now sitting as a four-time champion and one of the most successful drivers of all time.

The Dutchman is being tipped as a key player once again in the upcoming title fight as he targets a fifth consecutive championship - a feat that has been attained just once before by Michael Schumacher.

When it comes to race starts, Verstappen is 19th on the all-time list with over 200 grands prix to his name.

“It’s been a while already, of course, in F1,” Verstappen said ahead of the new season. 

“To start, my 11th season is pretty crazy already.

“It does feel already like quite a bit of a time that I've been in F1. But I'm just excited for what's ahead.”

Verstappen hoping Red Bull learned from 2024

Following a dominant championship win in 2023, Verstappen endured a more difficult campaign last year when Red Bull slipped back in the pecking order.

Having endured a number of challenges regarding the development of its car, Verstappen is confident Red Bull can apply learnings ahead of the new season.

“I think the beautiful thing was that every championship that I have won, has been won in a different way,” he said.

“Of course, last year was definitely a challenging one. We had a great start to the year and then a bit of a tough time. 

“At the end of the year, we had our up and down moments, but that can happen in Formula 1.

“It’s about what we learn from it and hopefully this year, with what we have learned last year, we can do a more solid job.”