GIVING HIS MAX EVERY TIME

Verstappen rebuts suggestion he 'lost interest' during Red Bull's earlier slump

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Red Bull driver Max Verstappen arriving at the paddock on Oct 23 ahead of the Formula One Mexico City Grand Prix, where he is a five-time winner.

(PHOTO: AFP)

Resurgent Formula One champion Max Verstappen rejected a suggestion he had “lost interest” when Red Bull were struggling earlier this season, and said he had always fought hard for every point.

The Dutch driver was responding at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Oct 23 to a comment by Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko, a close ally who has played an important role in the Dutch driver's career.

“Max at one stage when we were not competitive, I would say he lost a little bit of interest,” the 82-year-old Austrian told Sky Sports in Texas last weekend, after the driver won the sprint and main race from pole position.

Verstappen fell 104 points behind McLaren's Oscar Piastri at the end of August but has since roared back with three wins in the last four races.

He is now 40 points behind the Australian with five rounds remaining and back in contention for what would be a fifth successive title.