Success, for Verstappen, is a personal journey – every individual carves their way. His resilience and grounded approach, he tells AlphaTauri, was shaped from a very early age. He was able to learn how to win and lose – with the support of his father, also a racing champion. The early years, with all the wins, mistakes, and challenges, allowed Verstappen to shape his own discipline and mental perspective. “I think I learned that along the way,” he says.

“In my family there was always competition,” he says. With both parents in the world of racing, competitive energy was always around the family. Having communicated every step of the way so far, Verstappen has a very broad perspective on sport. “What is very important in any high level competition in any sport is that you just want them to enjoy it. You don’t want to pressure them too much. They’ll pick what they like the most.” Play first, discipline later: it’s a winning formula.

Now, knowing when to be fully switched on is his greatest discipline. “Friday to Sunday your focus is full, and outside of that you try to just conserve energy,” Max explains. With precision and calm already looking forward to the weekend: “Now more than ever,” he says, “you need to be flexible because of the F1® calendar and multiple time zones.”

“I can very easily switch off and then back on,” he explains. Keeping energy levels high and not getting exhausted is difficult – not switching off. Performance-mode that is on means staying focused, ready and fully energised when the time comes. “I know that once I sit in the car and drive out of the garage, that’s when I switch on and focus on the driving,” he says. “Otherwise you’re consuming a lot of energy throughout the year if you start questioning and thinking too much about it all.

”This ability to tune in rapidly has shaped his relationship with his coach and his response to everyday issues: “I try not to get too carried away, positively or negatively,” he says. “Of course I’m happy with a win, but your mind is immediately on the next race. I like to keep it simple in general, just trying not to overthink or over stress stuff.”

Today, with victories and trophies behind him and a brilliant career ahead, Verstappen’s approach is grounded. “Success is great, but in the end I think what is most important is what you do with family and friends,” he says. “When I get home, I don’t really think about it. It does not affect my day-to-day life.

”One thing is clear – the priority beyond the racetrack is home with his family. “Enjoying time with them, catching up when you’ve been travelling for a long period,” Verstappen explains, speaking about what his real focus in life is. These moments are the real reason behind everything he does – creating these happy connections that build up his strength to take on a season defined by speed and performance.