Van der Garde: When Max is angry, he performs even better

In Sao Paulo, Max Verstappen won, starting from a distant 17th position, and this achievement will be talked about for a long time. The Brazilian stage can be considered one of the turning points of the season, and with Max having increased his championship lead to 62 points, the chances of Lando Norris being able to overtake him in the remaining races are minimal.

Guido van der Garde, compatriot of the three-time world champion, who once, albeit not for long, also drove in Formula 1, explained in the latest episode of F1 how the Dutch Red Bull Racing driver achieved this. Nation Podcast. And now 39-year-old Guido is working with the Dutch TV channel Ziggo Sport.

Guido van der Garde: “I know Max and Jos very well, his father too of course. One thing I can say is that when they get angry, and that’s especially true for Max, he performs even better. I don’t know why this happens and how he manages it, but in such cases it becomes clear from the very beginning of the race that he is focused on the result.

This is incredibly interesting to watch. Max is a very talented and fast driver, he performs as well in qualifying as in the race, but when something makes him angry, some extra qualities emerge in him.

Of course he will be happy if he wins his fourth title in Las Vegas, also because he can celebrate it there. But I think his approach will remain the same this weekend. Of course, he understands that he can now become world champion again, so he will do everything he can to make this happen in Vegas.

I guess you could say there are two sides to Max’s character. When he puts on his helmet and lowers his visor, he becomes just a kind of lion and is willing to do anything to win. And after taking off his helmet, he turns into a modest and quiet good guy. He is characterized by a realistic view of business and he remains the same boy who made his Formula 1 debut at the age of 17.

Over the years he hasn’t changed at all – it’s really nice to see, and the Dutch fans really appreciate it. In his home country he is considered a real hero!”