For Verstappen, nothing changes: "No reason to do things differently now"

Max Verstappen is at the start of his first Formula One season as reigning world champion. The Dutchman has made good use of his time off since the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to unwind and now feels fully charged to start a new season.

Does it feel different to face the new Formula 1 season as world champion? "Not really," said Verstappen during the presentation of the new RB18. "I am just looking forward to getting back in the car to see how it handles."

However, the 2021 world champion did need some time to recharge. The free time he has had after capturing his first world title has been used to relax.

As we have come to expect from Verstappen, he has no intention of taking a different approach for the new season. "No, no more pressure. I do what I do all the time, no reason to be different," said the Red Bull driver. He does think that all drivers will need some time to get used to the new car, given the drastic changes introduced by the FIA.

Verstappen is also looking forward to a guaranteed highlight of the season at the Dutch GP: "I mean it's one of the highlights for me in the season, hopefully, they will be just as crazy as they were last season." said the world champion.