Max Verstappen right in his boots

We should have gotten the message a long time ago. The pressure slides off the shoulders of Max Verstappen like water on a duck's feathers.

As he stands at the gates of a resounding feat, that of bringing down the impregnable fortress Mercedes for the first time since the start of the current hybrid era, the driver Red Bull always serves the same reheated dish to journalists.

Let's admit it, our questions have hardly changed over the last few races but in a corner of our mind there is undoubtedly the hope of seeing the Dutchman let himself be confided, open up a little, show that behind this proud chin and this defiant gaze finds a 24-year-old young man who has the opportunity to make history.

But as on the track, Verstappen prefers to close the doors. Asked this Thursday in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) to find out how he approached this first match point against Lewis Hamilton, the Dutchman responded as calmly as possible.

« As I have been doing since the start of the season, released the one who has an 8-point lead in the Drivers' standings. There is no change. First of all, you will have to learn the track, because it is a new layout, and see how the Free Practices go. I just focus on being as efficient as possible.

I have always been very neutral. I don't pay attention to comments, positive or negative. I keep myself busy in other ways. I concentrate on my job F1, my preparation in the simulator ».

Verstappen then simply repeated more or less the same thing in the monotone that he readily adopts in front of journalists. The prospect of a collision which would be more favorable to him given that it leads to points? “ I do not think about it ", he waved away, with a hint of annoyance in his voice. 

Hamilton who claims to be much better prepared because this is not his first world campaign? “ It makes sense at this stage of your career, I also feel much more experienced than when I started in F1, against the Batavian, who is already experiencing his 7th season among the elite. I don't think it makes much difference, otherwise it would be seen during the season ».

The unknown of this new ultra-fast but potentially chaotic track, more tailored to its rival's Mercedes engine? “ I like the novelty, nothing is written “, replies Verstappen, already satisfied with his performance in 2021.

« Last season was quite boring because whatever I did I finished 3rd, underlines the person concerned. Not much was happening. This is what happens when you have a dominant team. This year we reversed the trend. We really improved the car. It's impressive to still be in contention for both titles with two legs to go ».

No sensational declarations therefore, even less on the political situation in Saudi Arabia. In any case, “Super Max”, as his Dutch fans encourage him, has always preferred to express himself on the track rather than on the microphone.