Kickstarting a Journey at Red Bull
In the world of Formula 1, Max Verstappen stands out as a four-time world champion with an unmatched spirit of humility. According to his friend and Sauber driver, Gabriel Bortoleto, Verstappen's humility keeps many people 'with their feet on the ground.'
Despite the allure of prestigious teams like Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren, Verstappen has chosen to remain with Red Bull. He values the supportive environment at Red Bull and hopes to continue driving for them until the end of his career. This long-standing association began in 2015 when Verstappen joined Toro Rosso, and he was promoted to Red Bull Racing in 2016.
Verstappen's commitment to Red Bull is solidified by a contract that extends until 2028. Even the potential allure of Ferrari is not enough to tempt him, unless they become a championship-winning team again.
Verstappen's journey with Red Bull has been marked by numerous victories. He has achieved 66 Grand Prix victories and four world championships with the team. However, the upcoming season promises to be challenging as Red Bull will begin the season with a self-developed powertrain for the first time. Verstappen acknowledges this challenge but remains optimistic.
The story of Verstappen's dedication to his craft extends beyond the race track. In preparation for the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring next year, Verstappen attended a driving school to obtain a Nordschleife driver's license. He followed the rules and fulfilled certain requirements to obtain his license, just like any other driver.
Even during his training, Verstappen was not given any special treatment. He sat in the classroom and learned from a driving instructor, just like any other student. Andreas Gülden, the chief instructor, found it amusing to try to explain an ideal line to Verstappen, a four-time Formula 1 world champion.
Bortoleto also praised Verstappen's humility but gave him a little dig, stating that he was 'really bad at the start.' Verstappen lost many places at the start of the race due to a heavily restricted engine performance and additional luggage. However, he enjoyed the race despite these challenges.
Despite the changes, Verstappen remains loyal to Red Bull, even with the recent dismissal of Christian Horner, the team principal since 2005. This loyalty is a testament to Verstappen's character and commitment to his team.
In conclusion, Max Verstappen's journey with Red Bull is a testament to his humility, dedication, and commitment. Despite the challenges ahead, Verstappen remains optimistic and committed to his team, making him a true champion in every sense of the word.
