SM
Tajikistan vs. Nepal: 6 hrs 12 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

No interest in being 2019 runner-up - Verstappen

:Headline: No interest in being 2019 runner-up - Verstappen: ID:369306: from db_amp
Max Verstappen says he has no interest in finishing runner-up in 2019.

Max Verstappen says he has no interest in finishing runner-up in 2019.

After a strong surge in form with Red Bull-Honda recently, some are predicting that even a championship challenge might be possible for the Dutchman.

"That's almost impossible," Verstappen insisted to De Telegraaf.

"Hamilton would have to have a lot of bad luck."

It means the 21-year-old is instead looking ahead to 2020, when he could still become the youngest ever world champion in F1 history.

"It looks absolutely positive for next year," Verstappen said, "but the others aren't going to just let me win it, are they? We really have to work hard to close the gap.

"So far I am satisfied with the progress we have made. Also with Honda we are now well aligned and there is still a lot to be gained," he added.

As for 2019, Verstappen is now tantalisingly close to overtaking Valtteri Bottas for second place, but he said he has no interest in attending the FIA prize-winning gala unless he is champion.

"I care about the gala as much as I did last year, even if I would be second," he said. "For me it's all about first place.

"When I look back at my career in 20 years, I really will not be proud that I was runner-up champion. What good is that? Yes, you are second best but I just don't care. It is only about the top spot.

"Maybe other people think differently, but for me only winning counts," said Verstappen.

Still, Verstappen admitted that he has been pleased with how 2019 has gone.

"We can't forget that I won in Austria because Mercedes struggled with cooling problems, but I still won twice," he said.

"That is better than we had expected at one point. We are still making good progress but it needs to be just that little bit better."

amp_article__369306 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-08-26 21:50:34:
html db last update - 2019-08-26 21:50:34 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Max Verstappen

Click here for more stories about Red Bull

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City117222213923
3Chelsea115422113819
4Arsenal115421812619
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest115421510519
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton115421915419
7Fulham115331613318
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
9Aston Villa115331717018
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1151523131016
11Brentford115152222016
12Bournemouth114341515015
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Leicester CityLeicester112451421-710
16Everton112451017-710
17Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
18Crystal Palace11146815-77
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves111371627-116
20Southampton11119721-144
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .