Max Verstappen: I wanted the F1 title before in a rival car

Max Verstappen said he could have won his fourth Formula One world championship even sooner if he drove for McLaren or Ferrari.

The Red Bull driver took the title at the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Sunday with two races remaining in the season, finishing the race ahead of title rival Lando Norris, which he needed.

After winning seven of the first 10 races, Verstappen and Red Bull topped the podium just once in the second half of the year, falling behind McLaren and Ferrari in the constructors’ championship.

Speaking to Dutch media after the race, Verstappen took a jab at his rivals.

Asked if he could have won in those cars, he replied: “Yes, even earlier … then further on. (With Ferrari), pretty much the same, I think.

“The Mercedes, no. I think it would have been more difficult.”

A viral moment in the wake of his championship win was an interaction Verstappen had with McLaren CEO Zak Brown.

When Brown went to congratulate him, Verstappen referred to the American’s comments earlier this year that he could only win with the fastest car.

In May, Brown told Beyond the Grid: “I think there are six, seven drivers on the grid who will be world champions in Red Bull.

“As great as Max is and he is one of the best of all time, I don’t think Max will win the world championship today in any car other than Red Bull.”

During a Sky Sports interview on Saturday night in Las Vegas, Verstappen remarked to Brown: “Like you said before, I could only win it in the fastest car,” to which both men laughed.

Verstappen later said Brown’s comments added fuel to his desire for a fourth title.

“Things like this only motivate me. When people are critical or think I can only win in the best car, I want to prove them wrong. If I don’t get (the honor) now, then I don’t know what will I have to do.”