Verstappen Denies Losing Interest, Eyes Fifth Title

Max Verstappen rejected Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko’s suggestion that he 'lost interest' during the team's earlier struggles, saying he has always given his all and fought for every point. Marko had said Verstappen showed less focus when the car was uncompetitive and was allowed to race in GT events such as the Nürburgring (a planned GT3 appearance) to 'keep him in a good mood', adding the driver's motivation had returned 'two tenths'. Verstappen’s recent form — three wins in four races, including a dominant weekend in Austin where he won both the sprint and main race — has cut his deficit to championship leader Oscar Piastri from about 104 points at the end of August to roughly 40 with five rounds remaining. The comeback, aided by Red Bull’s improved car performance and Verstappen’s regained momentum, has put him back in contention for a fifth consecutive title.