Max in Detroit for the presentation 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 in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.”

As soon as he arrived in Detroit, Max Verstappen peered out of the windows of Michigan Central Station, which on Thursday hosted the presentation of the new Red Bull, created in collaboration with Ford: “How beautiful,” he commented, looking at the snow that covered the entire horizon during the American night, “the perfect weather for a drive.” Like an obsession, a flying carpet that always brings him back to what he loves: cars are the center of Max’s thoughts. Whether they are the ones he is yet to understand, the protagonists of this new and complex generation of F1 cars, or the ones he already loves, such as the GT3s he was driving on the track in Portimao a week ago.

Did you enjoy yourself on the track in Portugal?

“I rested a bit during the holidays, but it was nice to get back on the track with the GT3s, cars that I love. At the moment, I’m not setting myself any 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 world of endurance racing. But I want to do it step by step, without rushing, and without realizing that the commitments I have made, both personally and with my team, are too big to fulfill. 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 Nurburgring this year?

”At the moment, it’s very difficult to give an answer. I would 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 season we’ll see in F1 with the new regulations?

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

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

”Everything to do with the engine. It will be new for everyone, but for us in particular, as we are moving from being customers to power unit manufacturers in collaboration with Ford, and it has been interesting to follow the team’s change. Now I’m just waiting to drive the car to understand how these cars will be on the track, hoping they will entertain us.”

Is there anything about this regulatory change that scares you?

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

Now you’re returning to the track not as the reigning champion, after four consecutive years of success. Do you want revenge right away, 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 that other drivers are not like me, that they say or do very different things, but that’s how I am. If I have the car to fight, 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 greater role this year?

”I think it will require a great spirit of adaptation and quick reactions on the part of the driver. Giving precise answers and indications, clearly stating what you like and what is not working. It’s a process I’m used to, but it will be even more important with the regulatory change.“

Tests, simulator, factory: it’s a busy winter. Have you had time to rest?

”Yes, I think an important part of the preparation between seasons is rest. Continuing to train, but also eating and sleeping 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 people consider me a young driver, but even though I’m 28, I’ve been in Formula 1 for quite some time now.”

How is life as a dad?

“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 Eve, since my partner Kelly (Piquet, ed.) is Brazilian, and we spent time together. I needed it after an intense season.”

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

“Never give up, always believe. 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 will 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?

“Perhaps many fans who weren’t my fans before have changed their opinion of me. And I’m glad.”

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 I’ve been impressed by them as drivers. They’ve made a few mistakes, as is normal in their debut season. Some, like Kimi Antonelli, have been under more pressure because they started out in a top team, but everyone has faced their challenges in the best possible way.”

In 2016, ten years ago, you made your debut with Red Bull, winning your first GP with the team. Do you feel like the same driver?

“In ten years, you grow up, and in many ways, I’m not the same guy I was back then. But I love racing just as much, and I love this team just as much. We are a family.“

What does the future hold for you?

”Who knows? For now, I’m focusing on the present and on this season, in which there will be a lot to learn. I don’t see myself in Formula 1 at 40, I have other goals, I like many categories of motorsport and there are other challenges I would like to take on. But I’m not thinking about that now: as long as I’m enjoying myself on the track, I’m happy with what I’m doing.”