Max in Detroit for the unveiling of the new Red Bull: “I’ve rested and I’m not thinking about revenge; we still don’t know who will be fighting for the World Championship, and 2025 has taught me not to take anything for granted. The future? I definitely want to race the 24 Hours of Le Mans”

As soon as he arrived in Detroit, Max Verstappen took in the view from the windows of Michigan Central Station, which on Thursday hosted the unveiling of the new Red Bull, developed in collaboration with Ford: “How beautiful,” he remarked, gazing at the snow that had blanketed the entire horizon overnight, “the perfect weather for a drive.” Like an obsession, a magic carpet that always brings him back to what he loves: cars are the center of Max’s thoughts. Whether they are the ones he has yet to understand—the stars of this new and complex generation of F1—or the ones he already loves, like the GT3s he was driving on the track in Portimao a week ago.

Did you have fun on the track in Portugal?

“I rested a bit during the holidays, but it was great to get back on the track with the GT3s, cars I love. Right now, I’m not setting specific goals, because my focus as a driver is on Formula 1, but I want to grow my team (Verstappen.com Racing, Ed.) and not lose my passion for endurance racing.”

Where do you dream of racing?

“I definitely want to race the 24 Hours of Le Mans and all the other iconic races in the endurance world. But I want to do it step by step, without rushing, and without realizing that the commitments I’ve made—both personally and with my team—are too big to be fulfilled. If I do something in motorsport, I don’t want to do it just to be there; I want to do it to be competitive. Always.“

Does that mean we won’t see you at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring this year?

”At the moment, it’s very difficult to give an answer. I’d like to do it by preparing well, and the preparatory races conflict with Formula 1. So only if something changes will I be able to race this year.“

What are your thoughts on the upcoming F1 season with the new regulations?

”It’s too early to have a clear opinion, because we really don’t know where our rivals stand or what they’ll bring to the track during testing or the first race. What I’ve learned over the years is that you always have to take it one step at a time: do everything that needs to be done before the car makes its debut, and make sure you’re ready for when it’s time to get behind the wheel.“

Are there aspects of this technical revolution that intrigue you more than others?

”Everything related to the engine. It will be new for everyone, but for us in particular, since we’re transitioning from being customers to power unit manufacturers in collaboration with Ford, and following the team’s transformation has been interesting. Now I’m just waiting to drive the car to understand how these cars will perform on the track, hoping they’ll be fun to drive.”

Is there anything that worries you about this regulatory change?

“At first, the gap between teams will be very large; that’s always the case when new regulations come into Formula 1. There will be one or two teams that start off much better than the others, and then things will even out over time. The hope is that we can reach a balanced situation fairly quickly.”

Now you’ll be returning to the track not as the reigning champion, after four consecutive successful years. Do you want immediate redemption, or are you not thinking about it?

“I’m not thinking about it; I’m not interested. Also because we can’t say who will be fighting for the World Championship this season—we have no idea. I know other drivers aren’t like me; they say or do very different things, but that’s just how I am. If I have the car to compete, I’ll fight to win another World Championship. If I don’t have a competitive car, I’ll try to help the team.“

Will the driver’s contribution within the team play a bigger role this year?

”I think it will require a great ability to adapt and quick reactions from the driver. Providing precise feedback and input, clearly stating what you like and what isn’t working. It’s a process I’m used to, but it will be even more important with the rule changes.“

Testing, simulator, factory: it’s a winter packed with commitments. Have you had time to rest?

”Yes, I think an important part of preparation between seasons is resting. Keep training, but also eat and sleep well. The more years go by, the more I realize that spending time with my family, in peace and quiet, really makes a difference. Many consider me a young driver, but even though I’m 28, I’ve been in Formula 1 for quite some time now.”

How’s life as a dad going?

“It’s fun; I really enjoy it. Off the track, I’m a normal person: during the holidays, we went to Brazil for New Year’s, since my partner Kelly (Piquet, ed.) is Brazilian, and we spent time together as a family. I needed that after an intense season.”

A year, 2025, in which you came close to achieving a historic comeback. What do you take away from this season?

“Never giving up, always believing. Over the course of my career, as the years have gone by, I’ve learned to put things in perspective and never worry too much about what’s going to happen. There’s no point in getting ahead of yourself, because everything can change in an instant. You have to be ready.”

Do you think the public’s opinion of you has changed after last season?

“Maybe a lot of fans who weren’t my fans before have changed their opinion of me. And I’m glad about that.”

We often saw you alongside the rookies last year, acting as a sort of mentor to the young drivers. Do you enjoy spending time with them?

“They’re all nice guys, and they’ve impressed me as drivers. They made a few mistakes, as is normal in a debut season; some—like Kimi Antonelli—faced more pressure because they started right away with a top team, but everyone handled their challenges as best they could.”

In 2016, ten years ago, you made your debut with Red Bull and won the first Grand Prix you competed in with the team. Do you feel like the same driver?

“In ten years, you grow up, and in many ways I’m no longer the same guy I was back then. But I love racing just as much, and I love this team just as much. We’re a family.”

What does the future hold for you?

“Who knows? For now, I’m focusing on the present and on this season, where there will be a lot to learn. I don’t see myself in Formula 1 at forty; I have other goals. I enjoy many categories of motorsport, and there are other challenges I’d like to take on. But I’m not thinking about that now: as long as I’m having fun on the track, I’m happy with what I’m doing.”