Verstappen highlights lucky situation in ‘take advantage’ message

Max Verstappen has reflected upon becoming a four-time F1 drivers’ champion, musing that “sometimes you get lucky in life”.

The Dutchman did also underline a need to “take advantage” of being “in the right place at the right time”, alluding to the shared success he and Red Bull have enjoyed since his first title in 2021.

When speaking at the end-of-season FIA awards ceremony, it was put to the 27-year-old that he has now joined an exclusive club of F1 drivers, as he continues to etch his name into the record books.

“It’s something that [you dream of] as a kid,” Verstappen replied upon collecting his F1 drivers’ championship trophy at the prize-giving gala. “When you grow up, you don’t think about these things.

“Of course you look at the names, you’re like: ‘wow, that’s really impressive. Oh, one day I can be on the podium!'”

To the 63-time grand prix winner, entering the pantheon of the greats is not merely down to talent or hard work, showing an awareness that he has not achieved his four championships alone.

“Sometimes you get lucky in life, you are in the right place at the right time,” he added. “And, of course, as a driver, you have to take advantage of that. Luckily, I’ve been able to do that at the same time.

“It’s amazing, four titles is definitely incredible. I also hope it doesn’t stop here, I hope that we can be successful for a longer period of time.”

Whilst Verstappen was able to successfully retain his crown in 2024, Red Bull was not. Sergio Perez’s poor form was in part caused by, and compounded by, the difficult RB20 – and rival teams made significant performance gains.

With McLaren and Ferrari the teams to beat heading into next year, Verstappen highlighted how close the fight will be at the sharp end of F1, something that will make securing a fifth straight drivers’ title all the more difficult.

“Like you can already see, this year the competition is very close, but then again, [in] ’26 a lot is going to change,” he said.

“Maybe some other teams are going to be competitive again. For the moment, I think it’s just it’s just very important to enjoy the moment, be proud of what we have achieved as a team, and we’ll try again next year.”