Whatever It Takes

MAXIM goes one on one with Red Bull Racing Honda’s MAX VERSTAPPEN to discuss all things Formula One...

- Nick Stecher

Arguably the most exciting young talent in Formula One today, Max Verstappen electrifies the Red Bull Racing garage every time he slides into his Hondapowered RB16B racecar. In only his first race for Red Bull, the then-18-year-old took the checkered flag in first place, quickly becoming the youngest — not to mention Holland’s first and only — driver to ever win a Formula One Grand Prix. Five seasons later it’s become clear that only the G.O.A.T. Lewis Hamilton blocks Verstappen from notching his first F1 Championship. The pressure — and glory — all rest on his shoulders.

Of course the F1 field is flooded with young, hungry talent nipping at the heels of Red Bull’s premier driver, so Verstappen’s got his work cut out. But all signs point to great potential in 2021: the young Dutchman finished last season’s final Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi capturing pole position, and led every lap to secure the checkered flag. Overall he finished the 2020 season ahead in the standings of every car not brandishing a Mercedes tri-star on its nose, so Verstappen knows exactly who’s in his crosshairs.

In the first race of the 2021 season in Bahrain Max emerged with a hard-fought second-place finish behind only Hamilton, then followed up by overtaking the current Champion in a stirring victory at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. We sat down with Red Bull Racing Honda’s Great Young Hope before the season began to discuss all things Formula One.

You finished on a really high note in Abu Dhabi with a victory in the very last race of 2020. How do you feel looking back at that season?