Bloomberg Talks — Max Verstappen Talks Formula One
Date: January 16, 2026
Host: Bloomberg
Guest: Max Verstappen, Four-Time Formula One Champion
Setting: Detroit Auto Show
Episode Overview
This episode features a candid interview with Max Verstappen, four-time Formula One champion, at the Detroit Auto Show. The discussion spans the drama of the previous F1 season, major upcoming rule changes, his partnership with Ford, thoughts on sim and endurance racing, career longevity, and his well-publicized friendship with fellow driver Lando Norris.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Last Season’s Dramatic Finish
[00:38–01:24]
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Max reflects on the previous season’s rollercoaster: starting with a 104-point deficit and closing the gap to just two points by the last race.
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He stresses the importance of taking things “race by race” and notes a significant turnaround in competitiveness in the season’s second half.
"We had a bit of a tough first half with some good moments and some bad moments... but second half was a lot more enjoyable."
— Max Verstappen [00:55]
Adapting to Sweeping Rule Changes
[01:24–02:43]
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The interviewer highlights how Verstappen and his team must now adapt to the most serious F1 rule change in recent memory.
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Max sees such changes as anticipated, and not a shock, admitting the unknowns but embracing the fresh challenge.
"You know that even heading into that season, right? So it's not like it comes as a shock. The team is prepared for that... sometimes it doesn't hurt to have a bit of a change."
— Max Verstappen [01:45] -
On predictions for the new car, Max admits limited simulator time and reiterates adaptability as a driver’s core value.
"What is always very important as a driver is that you can adapt quickly to the situation that you're in... You just need to be able to adapt quickly, learn quickly as well."
— Max Verstappen [02:14]
Red Bull, Ford, and Technical Partnerships
[02:43–03:37]
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The addition of Ford as a technical partner is discussed, with Verstappen expressing excitement about Ford’s racing heritage.
"It's great. It's a great opportunity as well... There is a massive heritage... So, yeah, I think everyone is just now just very keen to get started."
— Max Verstappen [02:57] -
Asked about performance advantages (e.g., variable compression), Verstappen is pragmatic about technical developments but prefers to focus on driving.
"From my side, I have to focus on the driving... I drive the car and I trust that from our side, you know, we, we always try to do our very best to get the most performance out of the... engine."
— Max Verstappen [03:54]
Thoughts on New Car Size and Passing
[04:23–04:54]
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On the prospect of smaller, more nimble cars and potentially easier overtaking, Max is noncommittal, saying it's "too soon" to know and that real answers will only come once the cars are on track.
"The cars, I think, look a bit nicer, you know, when they're a bit smaller and not as Wide. But yeah, once we get on track, then it's a bit easier to get a bit of an understanding..."
— Max Verstappen [04:32]
Interest in Sim Racing and Supporting Young Talent
[04:54–05:54]
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Max is passionate about sim racing, both for enjoyment and talent development, mentioning assisting young drivers—some of whom have transitioned from sim to real racing.
"We want to win whatever we compete in. I want to try and help young drivers, young people that don't have the opportunities... that all starts, of course, in the simulator."
— Max Verstappen [05:16] -
He’s proud of a sim driver on his team who has made the leap to real motorsport.
Career Longevity, Enjoyment, and Future Plans
[05:54–06:56]
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On his long-term career, Max focuses on enjoyment over numeric goals or emulating veterans like Alonso.
"I don't really think about it too much. I think it's more important to just try and enjoy it. You know, if the enjoyment is there, then it's also easier to rock up and really demand everything from yourself."
— Max Verstappen [06:08] -
He teases potential participation in endurance racing, such as the 24 Hours of Nürburgring or Le Mans, noting that it's a life goal but nothing is confirmed yet.
"The plan would be nice, you know, if that's possible, but it's also very... very hectic first few months now in Formula one. So we have to wait and see. But... I want to do 24 hour races and I want to do endurance."
— Max Verstappen [06:33] -
The “Triple Crown” (winning Monaco GP, Indianapolis 500, and Le Mans) is not a particular ambition; winning Le Mans is a clear priority if he enters.
"Triple Crown, not so much for me personally. Yeah, I would love to do Le Mans and actually if you do it, you want, you want to try and win it."
— Max Verstappen [07:05]
On His Friendship with Lando Norris
[07:14–07:29]
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Asked if he’s still friends with Lando Norris, Max assures their friendship hasn’t changed despite on-track rivalry.
"Yeah, I mean that, that has never changed. It's always been the..."
— Max Verstappen [07:23]"Got spicy. But it's also a bit of fun, you know... the media makes it always probably a bit more spicy than it actually is."
— Max Verstappen [07:29]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “We had a bit of a tough first half... but second half was a lot more enjoyable.” [00:55]
- “Sometimes it doesn't hurt to have a bit of a change.” [01:45]
- “What is always very important as a driver is that you can adapt quickly to the situation that you're in.” [02:14]
- “There is a massive heritage [with Ford]... everyone is just now just very keen to get started.” [02:57]
- “I want to try and help young drivers, young people that don't have the opportunities… that all starts, of course, in the simulator.” [05:16]
- “If the enjoyment is there, then it's also easier to rock up and really demand everything from yourself.” [06:08]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:38: Interview begins; reflecting on the last F1 season
- 01:24: Discussing F1’s major rule changes
- 02:43: Partnership with Ford and technical edge
- 04:23: Car size, agility, and passing
- 04:54: Sim racing and developing young talent
- 05:54: Career longevity and endurance racing ambitions
- 07:14: Addressing relationship with Lando Norris
Summary Tone & Takeaways
Max Verstappen offers honest, calm, and optimistic insights, balancing the seriousness of competition with genuine passion for racing and driver development. He remains unflappable about change, is driven by enjoyment more than achievements, and is sincerely invested in the futures of young drivers and the sport itself.
This episode will appeal to F1 fans eager for a behind-the-scenes view of both the sport’s evolving landscape and Verstappen’s personal ethos.