Max Verstappen does not measure his belief in his own ability solely by who holds the world championship. The four-time champion still considers himself the strongest driver on the grid, even with this year’s title already belonging to Kimi Antonelli.

A direct answer

Asked by Dutch media in Brazil whether he still thought he was the best, Verstappen gave a characteristically brief response. RacingNews365 first reported the remarks on November 8, before they were picked up again this week: “I always think so. Otherwise I’ll quit!”

The comment describes the conviction behind his competitive approach. It is not an announcement that retirement is imminent or a new deadline for the end of his career.

Belief from the beginning

Verstappen explained that the same outlook existed when he entered Formula 1 in 2015. He understood that he had plenty to learn, while already believing he had the potential to become the best.

Those ideas can coexist. Recognising the gaps in a young driver’s experience does not require abandoning confidence in where that driver might eventually reach. His answer is about ambition as much as an assessment of today’s grid.

Machinery shapes the outcome

The Dutchman remains satisfied with his own season, while stressing how much a driver’s results depend on the car. Red Bull endured a difficult start to the new technical era before improving its competitiveness and returning to winning form.

That recovery has also reshaped his championship position. After Brazil, Verstappen sits second, 17 points ahead of George Russell with three grands prix remaining. The title fight is over, but the closing rounds still offer a clear sporting target.

What it means for 2027

A strong finish provides grounds for optimism rather than proof that Red Bull will win the next championship. Turning recent progress into performance across an entire season remains the challenge.

Verstappen’s position is nevertheless straightforward: losing the title has not changed the standard he sets for himself. When the machinery allows him to fight at the front, he still expects to compete for victories. The confidence behind that expectation remains firmly intact.

Sources: RacingNews365 · PlanetF1