Back in December 2023, Max Verstappen told SPORTbible that defending his Formula 1 crown in 2024 would be far from straightforward.
A year on, Verstappen's prediction came true right before our eyes as he was pushed all the way by McLaren star Lando Norris.
The Dutchman went through a tough spell of not winning a race for more than three months but eventually came out on top as he wrapped up his fourth successive F1 world championship during November’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.
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With four titles under his belt, Verstappen has forever etched himself into the sport's history books as one of the greatest of all time.
The 27-year-old drew level with the likes of Sebastian Vettel and Alain Prost, and he will be looking to match Juan Manuel Fangio's tally of five titles next season.
Over the past few campaigns, we have been very accustomed to Verstappen putting in masterful performances on the track, but what exactly motivates him to come back year after year?
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Speaking to SPORTbible during the Heineken Player 0.0 final in Madrid, Spain, Verstappen outlined the factors that keep him wanting more.
He said: "For sure, having fun out there, working with the people within the team and you just try to do that again and again.
“I think winning a title is of course really rewarding but at the same time, it's important that you enjoy all the travelling, going to all the races and spending so much time away from home as well.”
Verstappen continued: "At the moment I am enjoying that a lot and hopefully next year we can do it again."
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Looking ahead, 2025 is set to be a huge year for Verstappen both on and off the track.
Prior to last month's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Verstappen and his partner Kelly Piquet announced to the world that they were expecting their first child.
Meanwhile, rumours surrounding the Dutchman's future in the sport continue to swirl after Oracle Red Bull Racing were beaten in the constructor's championship by McLaren and Ferrari.
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In recent weeks, Verstappen has been linked with a move away, with former F1 star Juan Pablo Montoya tipping him to join Mercedes.
For someone who has already achieved so much in what has been a relatively short career at the pinnacle of motorsports, Verstappen already seems content with what he's got.
"I have achieved what I wanted to achieve," he confirmed.
"So, it's more about trying to replicate it. Trying to win more, even if I don't, that's fine as well."
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He then gave a glimpse into his future, revealing his wish to try other forms of racing outside of F1.
Verstappen added: "I also want to do other kinds of racing outside of Formula 1 eventually and at one point of course I will scale it back a bit."
Whatever Verstappen decides to do in the future, it is fair to say that he will forever be remembered as one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time.
The 2025 F1 season will return in March with the Australian Grand Prix, which will be held around Albert Park in Melbourne on March 16.
Max Verstappen was speaking to SPORTbible at the Heineken Player 0.0 final in Madrid, Spain. For more information, click here.
Topics: Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Formula 1, Spotlight
Marcus Chan