Red Bull's Max Verstappen relishes pressure as he dominates Formula 1 aiming for perfection

Red Bull sensation Max Verstappen has emerged as the unrivalled force in Formula 1, captivating the sport with his awe-inspiring performances over the past year.

The two-time champion has masterfully secured victory in five out of seven races so far in 2023, establishing a commanding lead. Although Red Bull consistently presents him with a winning car, they have not been without their fair share of hurdles.

During the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Verstappen encountered driveshaft issues, while braking problems plagued both cars in Melbourne. The team also grappled with setup challenges, causing some early concerns after a smooth pre-season testing in Bahrain.

Reflecting on the mounting pressure to excel, Verstappen candidly admitted when asked by media, "I put myself under pressure to always perform. I think I've already proven enough that even in the face of adversity, it won't deter me."

"In the grand scheme of things, I consider my Formula 1 career complete. So the pressure I face isn't primarily from that aspect," Verstappen shared with the media. "But I constantly strive for more victories. It's my desire to be the best version of myself, which is why I experience this pressure."

Verstappen's inaugural victory at a tender age of 18 served as a defining moment, validating his remarkable ascent through the ranks. He believes much of the pressure he felt early in his career stemmed from securing a seat with a top-tier team.

"With the increased experience, I have a much better grasp on handling various situations," Verstappen explained. "During your debut season, you place immense pressure on yourself to prove your worth and secure a spot in a leading team."

Now firmly established in that echelon, the Dutch prodigy strives to strike a delicate balance between maintaining performance pressure and fuelling his personal growth.

"It's about maintaining the right amount of pressure while steadily improving, even if the progress might be incremental," Verstappen expressed. "Every year, I aim to make slight advancements, keeping that self-imposed pressure intact."

Looking ahead, all eyes are on the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, scheduled for June 16-18, where Verstappen aims to extend his reign of dominance and further cement his status as Formula 1's supreme talent.