A pilot who emerged victorious in 19 of the last 20 Formula 1 races could be expected to feel devastated when his car suddenly caught fire and forced him to retire after just four laps in the Australian Grand Prix. However, Max Verstappen remained composed and calm as he went through interviews in the Albert Park paddock area after the race, treating it as if it were a typical media day on the Thursday before the event.
So, what exactly brought Verstappen/Red Bull’s domination to an end and led to his first retirement in two years? Verstappen gave an explanation to Sky Sports F1, stating that they noticed in the data that as soon as the lights went out, the right rear brake got stuck. The temperature kept rising, essentially making him drive with the handbrake on. He already felt something was wrong with the car in certain corners as it seemed very unpredictable. However, during the warm-up laps, the car seemed perfectly fine, and Verstappen was satisfied with their progress. Unfortunately, the stuck brake proved to be a hindrance.
There was no trace of panic in Verstappen’s demeanor. He acknowledged that they had a string of successful races and reliable performance, and knew that retirement was inevitable. He joked about the fact that he and Lewis Hamilton, his former title rival, both retired in this race, jokingly saying, “s*** happens, right?”
Verstappen expressed his disappointment at not being able to finish the race, as he believed they had a good chance of winning. He felt confident and noticed an improvement compared to the long runs he had done during practice. However, he acknowledged that some things are beyond their control.
Losing the opportunity to equal his own record of consecutive wins didn’t bother Verstappen much. He emphasized that winning the championship is the most important goal. Verstappen took his time during the post-race interview, patiently answering several iterations of the same question.
When asked if we can expect a similar resurgence to what he showed in Suzuka last year after a non-Red Bull victory, Verstappen expressed his confidence in the car and his desire to have another successful weekend.
Verstappen even joked by refusing to reveal details about a possible Red Bull upgrade at the Japanese Grand Prix, teasing that the color will remain the same.
The consequences of Verstappen’s retirement are minimal. His teammate, Sergio Perez, had a lackluster race, allowing Verstappen to maintain the lead in the world championship. He is currently four points ahead of Charles Leclerc and five points ahead of Perez. Carlos Sainz, the winner of the Melbourne Grand Prix, will not participate in the race in Jeddah, leaving him 11 points behind Verstappen.
Red Bull will thoroughly investigate the issue before the race in Suzuka, and Verstappen has no doubts that the problem will be resolved. The strength of the RB20 car certainly contributed to Verstappen’s composure, especially when compared to his previous retirements. Despite being overtaken by Sainz before retiring, Verstappen is confident that he still has the best car on the grid, one that can help him secure his fourth consecutive drivers’ title. His title pursuit is not in jeopardy, as it was in the early stages of the 2022 season when he retired in two of the first three races.
Verstappen’s maturity continues to grow, evident in his unwavering faith in his team, his success on the track, and his overall demeanor, all of which make him a truly remarkable driver in Formula 1.
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Soccer star Lionel Messi signs a multimillion-dollar contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). After leaving Barcelona, where he played for over 20 years, Messi joins the French club in a historic transfer. The deal was closed for an estimated value of 250 million euros for five years of contract.
Messi, 34, is considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time. His signing with PSG is a milestone in the club’s history and promises to revolutionize French football. Messi’s arrival also reignites the rivalry with Olympique de Marseille, which has star Neymar in its squad.
Messi’s transfer to PSG was announced at a press conference on Tuesday. The Argentine expressed his happiness in being part of the club and is eager to start playing alongside his new teammates. PSG, in turn, celebrates the player’s arrival and hopes he will help the team win national and European titles.
Messi’s signing with PSG is a major blow to Barcelona, which loses one of its greatest idols. The Argentine’s departure marks the end of an era at the Spanish club and raises questions about the team’s future. Meanwhile, PSG fans are excited about Messi’s arrival and hope he brings success and glory to the club.
With the arrival of Messi, PSG becomes even stronger and consolidates itself as one of the main clubs in world football. The team already boasts big names like Neymar, Mbappé, and Di María, and now adds Messi’s talent and experience to its squad. The club’s fans are eager to see the new lineup on the field and it is believed that PSG will become a strong contender to win the Champions League.
Messi’s transfer to PSG also has a significant impact on French football. The French league gains even more visibility and attracts the attention of fans from around the world. The rivalry between PSG and Olympique de Marseille promises to heat up even more, and the matches between the two teams will be even more exciting.
Messi’s arrival at PSG is a historic milestone for football and promises to bring many emotions to the fans. The Argentine star is ready to start a new phase in his career and hopes to win many titles with his new team. The football world eagerly awaits to see what Messi will be capable of at PSG.
