Max Verstappen: “I can say this has been my best season”

Entering 2019 Verstappen was taking on the role of senior driver at Red Bull after the departure of Daniel Ricciardo to Renault and stepped up to the position by producing one of the most consistent first halves to the season.
 
A run going from Belgium 2018 saw him finish in the top five for 21 races in a row until retiring in Spa this year.
 
He defended his win in Austria, then took victory at the chaotic wet German Grand Prix before his first pole position in Hungary.
 
“Of course, it was the wins in Austria and Germany – which was just a crazy and hectic race – but Austria, was perfect, it couldn’t have gone better,” said Verstappen.
 
“It’s not an easy place to overtake, but it was great to win at Red Bull’s home track, it was the first win for Honda in the V6 era, and there were a lot of Dutch fans there, it was perfect! It was a massive boost for everyone.
 
“This has been my best season. As a person you always grow, you become a better driver throughout the years and learn a lot. Not only in driving, but in life, so I can say this has been my best season.”
 
The second part of 2019 was more difficult with retirements in Belgium and Japan, as well as taking engine penalties but securing his second pole in Brazil and converting it into another win helped finish the year on a high.
 
“There weren’t lows, there were just unlucky moments. Overall, it’s been positive and everyone is very excited about next year,” he added.
 
“After the summer break we had some unlucky runs, but we started to pick it up again.
 
“We always kept believing and pushing hard as a team. We always seem to make the right decisions when we’re under pressure, which is a big bonus.”