Max Verstappen getting ‘nervous’ despite magical victory at Sao Paulo Grand Prix

Max Verstappen is widely regarded as the most unflappable driver on the Formula 1 grid. He has built a reputation as an almost robotic character who mercilessly punishes vulnerable opponents.

In 2023, when Verstappen broke his own record by winning 19 out of 22 races, at times he seemed truly unbeatable. This continued into early 2024 as he made four of the top five.

Only a brake problem in Australia – caused by a torn visor that got stuck in the duct – prevented a clean slate. But the landscape changed in Miami, where McLaren made a huge improvement and Lando Norris took his first Grand Prix victory.

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Verstappen nevertheless won three of the next four, but those victories were different. Rather than pull away, he had to fight throughout the race, and Red Bull fell behind by a lap.

As McLaren grew stronger and Ferrari also became a worthy opponent for the Bulls, Verstappen was forced to go on the defensive. It was about maintaining his title lead rather than extending it.

Despite the precarious situation, there were only a few glimmers of concern. Verstappen sent angry radio messages to Red Bull complaining about his car’s handling, his frustration peaking in Hungary when he collided with Lewis Hamilton and came back fifth – one of his worst results of the year.

Mariana Becker says Max Verstappen felt ‘threatened’ and ‘nervous’ during F1 interviews

To compound Verstappen’s discomfort, the FIA penalized him for taking the oath during a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix. While Hamilton has urged him not to carry out the required community service, the FIA could increase Verstappen’s punishment if he does not show up.

The reigning champion responded to the widely criticized sanction by refusing to give real answers in the same forum the following day. He has now ended this protest, while making clear his lasting discontent.

Speaking on the Motorsport Brazil podcast, journalist Mariana Becker said Verstappen had been a cooperative person interviewed in Sao Paulo. But she could tell he became “really angry” and “nervous” after his penalty.

Position	Drivers’ Championship	Points
1		393
2		331
3		307
4		262
5		244

Verstappen “silenced” his critics by winning the race in extraordinary fashion from 17th on the grid. He now holds a probably unassailable 62-point lead over Norris in the standings.

“The interview here in Brazil was good,” Becker said. “He wasn’t monosyllabic or anything. This shows maturity. But it’s Max. He was angry, he was really angry.

“He hasn’t changed. What happened was he became more nervous. He felt threatened. And all this peace is going to hell.

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Verstappen’s work isn’t quite done yet. But he only needs 24 more points to guarantee the title, an average of eight per weekend.

Considering he’s averaging 18.7 so far this year, his task should be simple. He will seal the title in Las Vegas unless Norris edges him by three points or more.

Privately accepting that the race is all but settled, Norris looked more relaxed after the race. Rather than enjoying the chaser’s role, he seemingly struggled with the pressure of fighting Verstappen.

That’s not to say the Dutchman is playing mind games. In fact, Martin Brundle praised Verstappen for being “grounded” in the media, which might surprise some given Becker’s observations.