Verstappen admits to losing sleep over Red Bull troubles in 2017

Max Verstappen has admitted that he couldn't sleep at points during the 2017 Formula One campaign, which was his least successful behind the wheel, due to the reliability problems with Red Bull which caused him to retire from seven out of 20 races.

The 2018 season will be the Dutchman's fourth in F1, and is coming off a season last year which was his worst. Although he won two Grand Prix races, he only managed four other podium positions compared to seven the previous season, and also didn't finish seven races due to power unit issues and subsequent retirement.

Verstappen has confessed to losing sleep thinking about the problems last year.

“It’s not nice – and sometimes you have nights where you can’t sleep or you’re restless or disappointed,” Verstappen told the Guardian.

“But you remind yourself not to give up.”

“I never even think of the mental side of things because I never had any issues. If you are a bit weak in your head maybe you can train your mind but it will never be your strong point.

“Many people ask: ‘What do you need mentally to succeed in F1?’ I say: ‘What do you mean mentally?’

“I just enjoy it and drive as fast I can. But so many people think your psychology is such a massive thing. For me, it’s not necessary.”

The engine reliability issues meant that Verstappen only finished sixth last year - a position which he wants to improve upon. Believed to be a future world champion by many, he thinks all he needs is the right car.

“I always think if I have the right car, the fastest car, then I can become world champion,” the 20-year-old continued.

“But you need to have that car and so far I haven’t had the fastest package.”