After an extraordinary victory at the Qatar Grand Prix, Max Verstappen is already looking ahead to Abu Dhabi as a “possible opportunity.” The Dutchman’s win in Doha delays the 2025 drivers’ championship decision once again, turning Yas Marina into a battleground just as it was in 2021. However, Max Verstappen will approach the weekend more relaxed compared to the tension of his first championship fight against Lewis Hamilton.
In Doha, strategy made the difference between Max Verstappen’s victory and McLaren’s “defeat.” “The Safety Car came out at the right lap,” admitted the four-time world champion, praising Red Bull’s strategy that allowed him to come out ahead after 57 laps.
The Qatar GP for Verstappen
“The start was decent,” Max Verstappen said at the post-race press conference. “I gained a position, and from there, I just focused a bit on the tyres. Then the Safety Car came out practically at the right lap, so we decided to change tyres, and I imagine many behind me had the same idea.”
“The team did an excellent job. We stayed out of trouble even in the pit lane, which was quite busy. From that point on, I knew we probably did the right thing. I also knew that the two McLarens needed a very strong pace to overcome that kind of pit stop. So, when the Safety Car came out, initially they extended quite a bit.”
“For me, the key was making sure these two stints were at the best possible pace from start to finish. And I think we achieved that well.”
When asked if he thought he could lose the race after the pit stop, the Dutch lion did not hesitate. “At that moment, I thought there was a very good chance of winning. I never think I can lose. It’s not in my head. I only think about how to win.”
“I mean, it was the same situation as qualifying,” he continued, discussing what changed over the weekend. “I struggled with the same things, but today we won the race thanks to strategy. From that point on, we managed problems as best we could, and I think we did very well.”
Looking ahead to Abu Dhabi
Looking forward, Max Verstappen was asked about his confidence in the car for Abu Dhabi, and he admitted he would rely more on strategy than on the RB21.
“I have no idea. I repeat, I hope we start the weekend well. That would be very helpful. I think in terms of pace it will be tough, but a race like today shows that a Grand Prix is not always straightforward. Many things can happen. So, I will probably rely a bit on that.”
“But I’m excited. I mean, I’m happy to go there and give it a try. As I said before, you also have to be realistic: I think in terms of pure speed, we’re not at the same level [as McLaren]. But at the same time, when strategy comes into play and the right decisions are made at the right moment, we might have the opportunity,” the 28-year-old explained.
Remembering 2021 and Chucky
This is Max Verstappen’s second F1 title challenge since 2021, and like then, everything will be decided at Abu Dhabi, thanks to his Qatar GP win. However, while in 2021 he arrived at Yas Marina level with Hamilton, this time he is trailing Lando Norris.
“Now I’m much more relaxed. I know I’m 12 points behind. I arrive there with positive energy. I’ll do everything possible. But even if I don’t win, I know I’ve had a fantastic season. So it doesn’t matter. This takes a lot of pressure off me,” added the Dutchman. “I’ll be on track to enjoy myself, like today. I even started the day thinking: ‘We’ll see how it goes.’ I know that when I’m in the car, I always try to give my best, and that’s what I’ll aim for in Abu Dhabi. At the same time, I know we’ll probably have to rely on some external factors to try. But a race like today shows that when you think it will be boring and easy, it isn’t. So, I hope Abu Dhabi will be similar.”
Finally, when asked about Zak Brown calling him “a character out of a horror movie,” the four-time world champion laughed it off. “[Brown] can call me Chucky. Does that sound short enough? I don’t know. I saw it too. I found it quite funny.”
“For my part, I only focus on myself. I know that when I get in the car, I just try to do my best, like everyone else, I guess. But yes, that’s the only thing I can control, right? And it’s the only thing I focus on,” he concluded.
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