Max Verstappen is taking a different approach to pre-season prep this year, choosing to skip the usual round of F1 car testing that’s kept other drivers busy these past weeks.
But don’t think he’s been taking it easy.
The three-time world champion has been quietly grinding away at home, focusing on what he believes matters most – getting himself ready for what’s sure to be a grueling 2024 season.
“I’d rather be at home, I can prepare more for the season,” Verstappen told Dutch media, including GPblog, when asked about missing some public appearances.
It’s all part of his plan. While other drivers were making headlines testing old F1 cars, Verstappen spent January exactly how he wanted – training hard and sticking to a normal routine.
“January was very nice. A lot of training at home, stable weeks, a normal rhythm,” he explained. “Now it’s just a few final weeks before it all starts up again.”
The schedule’s already getting hectic. He’s bouncing between training days and travel, showing up at Red Bull’s factory later than most of his F1 rivals.
Everyone’s wondering if he can grab a fourth straight title in 2024. But Verstappen’s not making any predictions just yet.
“In all the years I’ve experienced the winter months, it’s never been 100 per cent clear how good or how bad something is,” he said. “That’s why I’m neutral on it. I’ll just wait until I’ve driven the car myself.”
He hasn’t even taken his new RB21 for its first run yet.
Smart money says he’ll be the one to beat again this year, but we’ll have to wait and see if his unique pre-season approach pays off when the racing starts.
