Max Verstappen

Verstappen responds to Rosberg 'narcissist' claim

It's what makes him so successful, Max says!

Matthew Scott

Friday 29 March 2019 12:14

Max Verstappen has made no apologies for his self-confident style after being described as the dictionary definition of narcissist by former world champion Nico Rosberg. Verstappen says he would not be successful in Formula 1 without his mental approach.

Rosberg was discussing Verstappen's error-strewn start to the 2018 season, but added that a headstrong approach might also be one of the Dutchman's strengths.

Speaking on his 'Beyond Victory' podcast, Rosberg told his former Mercedes boss Toto Wolff: "If you take Verstappen, he is like a 'narcissist' like you write it in the dictionary. Being extremely narcissistic when you have the talent can be a powerful force, and maybe even the most powerful."

Verstappen the definition of narcissist - RosbergRead more

Wolff pointed to Verstappen's relationship with his father, former F1 racer Jos, as key in building Verstappen's mental profile.

And Max himself confirmed that his confidence was passed down from his dad.

"I think it's very important to believe in yourself because it's a pretty tough world and there are a lot of people trying to work against you," said the Red Bull driver in Bahrain.

"Thanks to my father, I learned at a young age how things are in this world, so I have been prepared for this from an early age.

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"I am a self-confident person and I have to be, otherwise you cannot become successful in Formula 1."

Verstappen will hope to keep up momentum this weekend in Sakhir after securing a first podium for Red Bull-Honda in Australia last time out.

He said: "Of course there's still a bit of question mark how competitive it's going to be, but I think it was more from the outside as people had a lot of questions.

"We were always quietly, at least from my side, confident in the package and in the engine especially and I think it showed in Australia that we’re able to overtake Ferrari on track."