Verstappen shrugs off Marko's title challenge

Max Verstappen has played down the pressure on him to become the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history. The Dutchman is already F1's youngest-race winner, having taken to the top step on the podium on his Red Bull debut in Spain 2016 as an 18-year-old.

Red Bull motorsport adviser Dr Helmut Marko says he wants to see Verstappen break Sebastian Vettel's record – something he would manage with a title triumph either this or next season.

Vettel was 23 when he won his first of four world titles with Red Bull in 2010.

Marko said last year: "The aim is to have the youngest world champion. Two years we have, but we go for it next year.

"We know the first year with a new engine manufacturer is not easy. But the aim is, and the goal that I’ve told all the people, is that we have to go for the championship, from the beginning. No excuses."

However, it probably won't happen in 2019, as Verstappen acknowledges that Red Bull needs to improve its current car, having swapped Renault power units for Honda this year.

"I know the situation, but I will not lose sleep if it doesn't happen," he told Helsingin Sanomat.

"It's difficult anyway. If I do not succeed in these next two years, then I would just try again the next time."

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Verstappen, who lives in Monaco, also told the Finnish newspaper that it is now difficult for him to return home to his native Netherlands, owing to the fervent support he has in his homeland.

"I think Kimi has the same trouble in Finland as I have in the Netherlands," he said.

"I can't walk anywhere without someone talking to me or taking pictures. It has become increasingly difficult.

"I enjoy being able to live in Monaco. It is quiet and peaceful and nobody bothers me. I can meet my family and we can go anywhere without being disturbed."

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