Max Verstappen lost interest in Formula One during Red Bull ’s struggles earlier in the season, Helmut Marko has revealed. Verstappen was more than 100 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri before F1 ’s summer break, during a tumultuous campaign which saw Red Bull sack team principal Christian Horner.

Yet after his weekend sweep in Austin, winning the sprint and Sunday’s grand prix for a maximum haul of 33 points, even Verstappen had to soften his stance a bit. “For sure, the chance is there,” he admitted after the race on Sunday. “I’m really just very excited for the end.”