Verstappen signals ‘important’ value of F1 mistakes

Max Verstappen insists making mistakes in F1 is a hugely important factor in growing as a driver.

The Dutchman is currently gunning for his fourth F1 title with a commanding lead in the championship standings over Lando Norris.

Verstappen has been a dominant performer across the last two years in F1 with Red Bull and is currently in his 10th campaign with almost 200 race starts.

Early in his career, Verstappen was noted for his raw speed and talent but was not exempt from making on-track errors.

The 26-year-old has asserted he would not give his younger self advice if he had the chance as it would lead to a “boring” career path.

“If you knew the future every single time or advice from the future, that would be extremely boring, because it’s important to make mistakes,” Verstappen told Formula.hu.

“It’s important to not know what is out there in the future, or how you’re going to be in the future, what you’re going to achieve or not.

“A lot of people go to these fortune tellers – I don’t believe in that stuff, forget it. I don’t want to know, I’m not interested.”

Verstappen drew criticism early in his career for his aggressive race craft and style of driving.

However, he has since transformed into a multi-time champion and pointed to learning from his mistakes as a key part of his growth.

“I want to live my life,” he added. “I don’t want to know that I die in 30 years, these kind of things.

“I just want to live my life, I want to have fun. I want to enjoy this. But then also, at one point I want to stop and I want to do other stuff. 

“Just not knowing what is out there for you, really feel it yourself, experience it yourself. 

“That’s why I wouldn’t tell my 17-year-old self anything. Just do it again.”