Max Verstappen says any feeling of complacency is “not allowed” entering the final nine races of the Formula 1 season.
The Red Bull driver enjoys an 80-point lead in the championship over nearest rival Charles Leclerc, meaning he could finish second at every race to the Monegasque and still retain his title.
However, Verstappen insists he will not be more conservative on the run to Abu Dhabi in his continual pursuit of perfection.
“I think it would be wrong to relax,” he said on Thursday ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix. “So many things can still go wrong, or can go right.
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“I think that the intention for us is that we want to win more races this season. That’s how we approach the remaining races.
“We don’t want to give wins to other teams just for being safe, there’s still nine races to go, we are targeting to win nine races.
“Not only winning but we want to be consistent, we don’t want to retire. We had our little issues in the beginning but we’ll see how competitive we will be.”
And while the odds of becoming a two-time world champion are very much in his favour, Verstappen very much rejects any feeling of complacency.
“It’s not allowed,” he stated. “That can happen when you stop racing. If that would be the case, then it’s also time to stop racing because you don’t want it enough anymore.”
One goal Max can potentially aim for is the record for most wins in a single season, currently held by both Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel with 13.
“If it happens, it would be great. It’s another five wins I think to be equal,” Verstappen noted.
“I think so far this season, it’s always been super close for a win anyway between Ferrari and us. I don’t think it would be very easy to beat that record.”