Verstappen Embraces Rest as F1 Demands Intensify

Verstappen Savours Rare Break Amid Gruelling F1 Calendar

13/10/2024

Max Verstappen reflects on the importance of rest as Formula 1’s demanding schedule pushes drivers to their limits, with fewer breaks ahead in the 2024 season.

Max Verstappen admits he’s glad to have had more time to rest during the Formula 1 season, enjoying his free time with a second month-long break.

When the sport resumes next week with the United States Grand Prix, teams and drivers will have had almost four full weeks off since the previous race in Singapore.

Looking ahead to the final six races of the year, Verstappen notes a shift compared to the earlier stages of his F1 career.

“This year feels a bit different; we race a few events, then we get a break. The final part of the season comes quickly with back-to-back race weekends starting. It’s important to be prepared, but also to take time at home and rest in between.”

“It’s actually more important to put speed aside and relax, to slow down! The adrenaline isn’t missing during the off-race periods, maybe it was seven or eight years ago. But now, we gradually want to rest. You don’t think about racing too much and focus on taking time to unwind.”

“It’s important to know how to give your body and mind a proper rest. 24 races, 6 sprints, 30 qualifying sessions – the demands are immense.”

“Next year, we won’t have such a break, so it’s important to make the most of it now.”

F1 is considering adding new circuits to the calendar, with the possibility of alternating certain venues, particularly in Europe. And Verstappen has a particular track in mind.

“Mugello. Fast corners. I just want flowing tracks. So not too many slow-speed, stop-start corners – just smooth, fast turns. Spa and Suzuka are other great examples.”

And what about seeing F1 on an oval one day?

“In a Formula 1 calendar? No, not for me. I enjoy it for fun on my online simulator, but not in real life. I like watching Indy and NASCAR, but I have no desire to race there.”

“I’ve already driven an F1 car in a demo on something resembling an oval, but no, I wouldn’t even enjoy testing on a proper oval.”

Verstappen Embraces Rest as F1 Demands Intensify

Verstappen Embraces Rest as F1 Demands Intensify Verstappen Embraces Rest as F1 Demands Intensify

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