Verstappen silences Schumacher record talk

Max Verstappen has silenced any suggestions that he is thinking about Michael Schumacher's five consecutive F1 drivers' titles record in 2025. 

The reigning world champion has the opportunity to match Schumacher's record for having won five titles in consecutive seasons, should he claim the crown this year. 

Schumacher is the only driver in F1 history to have won five titles in a row, whilst he holds the record with Lewis Hamilton for most championships overall.

However, most expect the seven-time world champion's record to remain solely his, with Verstappen not being the favourite going into the upcoming season. 

McLaren and Ferrari are backed as the teams to beat, having ended last year as the two strongest teams. 

Red Bull looked adrift of both outfits, whilst Mercedes are also expected to make gains. 

For the Milton Keynes-based team, its chances of winning yet another crown this year will depend on whether it has understood and rectified the problems which impacted the RB20.

Verstappen is confident that himself and the team can clinch the titles again this year, but is not focusing on any records.

"I mean, I would like to win, yeah," Verstappen said on the Talking Bulls podcast. "It's not about, like I said, the targets of winning five in a row or winning how many in total. 

"But for me, yeah, I'm in a team that I think is capable of winning those championships, and I'm very excited what we come up with again for this year. 

"I hope it's quick enough. I know when it's quick enough that I'll do the rest, I just hope that we are competitive.

"That we are back up there again, and we can have a lot of incredible moments."