Not much is at stake for him in the nineteenth Grand Prix of the season at the Circuit Of The Americas in Austin. Max Verstappen has already won his second world title and can match a record set by Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel: most Grand Prix victories in one season, 13.

“It’s possible and it would be nice if it works, but I don’t really care about such things. Let’s see,” says the 25-year-old Dutchman, who is hardly responsive this season. “What we have achieved this year is incredible.”

Whatever happens on the track in Texas: Verstappen’s statistics are impressive anyway. The Red Bull Racing driver won 12 of the 18 Grands Prix that year. And if he misses the Austin win, he still has three more chances to put Schumacher and Vettel off the books, but Verstappen’s goals are bigger.

Lots to gain

“I want to win the remaining four races,” said Verstappen. “I love this track, won a great race here last year and am really looking forward to ending the season in style. It’s also important that we get the constructors’ title. Here we go. We just need a few more points.”

“It will be fine if we do well here,” concludes the newly crowned champion, dry as a bone.

If Verstappen wins the races in America, Mexico, Brazil and Abu Dhabi, he will close 2022 with 16 wins. Unprecedented, but two-time world champion Fernando Alonso (Alpine) thinks that’s a realistic scenario.

“I also experienced that I had the title long before the end of the season,” says the Spaniard. “It’s very relaxed. Your race weekends will then be much more relaxed. The pressure is gone. I think it will be a little easier for Max.”

“Everything is actually very relaxed now,” confirms Verstappen. But little changes in his eyes. “When I’m in the cockpit, I always want to win, everywhere. Also here and now. That will not change with the title extension. I think Fernando might have it a bit easier, but in the end I’ll have to rely on the car.” .”

Renewing the title in Japan was something special for Verstappen, but he is particularly proud of the streak he has achieved with his team this season. “If you look purely at the performance, this season was even better than 2021. But the first title gives the same feeling as the first win. The first is and will always be something very special.”

Not a big party: “Little time to celebrate”

The title extension has not yet led to a big party, says Verstappen. “I still had some commitments on my agenda and I had to do simulation work, so there wasn’t much time. I invited some friends and family over to celebrate one night. That was it.”

There was no big party in Suzuka either. Not only was the race shortened due to the bad weather, the flag also fell an hour and a half later than planned. “There was little time to celebrate together,” says Verstappen, who won the title after the race through a time penalty for Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc and through the full booty for victory: 25 championship points.

No apotheosis on the track, but a decision by the race directors decided the championship. A hangover for the viewer, but Verstappen can’t take it. “I would never have won the championship on the line anyway. It would always have been a penalty or not.”

letter from the king

It was bald. A championship without cheering and shouting in the distorted on-board radio. No jubilant team boss Horner: “Max Verstappen, you are world champion!”

“Christian really couldn’t congratulate me on the on-board radio. So you missed that, but that’s okay. It doesn’t always have to be over the air. Now it was behind. Much more personal.”

Verstappen also received a letter from the king. “Like last year. No, not the same letter with the same text. They write that they have seen it and enjoyed it. Very nice to get a letter like that.”

Red Bull threatens punishment: “Something between the team and the FIA”

A dark cloud still hangs over Verstappen’s title. The motorsport association FIA has determined that Red Bull Racing has exceeded the budget limit in 2021. Punishment seems inevitable. Various sources in Austin report that the FIA ​​​​Red Bull Racing has made a settlement proposal. The question is whether the racing team will accept the comparison or appeal.

“It’s something between the team and the FIA,” says Verstappen, who doesn’t have to fear losing the title. “We are convinced that we have complied with the financial rules. This has been discussed for the last few weeks, but we really believe it. We believe in our own story, but in the end it’s not up to me. I’m not worried about it and I’m concentrating on my work at the track.”