The life of a Formula 1 driver is truly non-stop. When the season ends in November, the drivers have barely two months off. And even at that time, they have to keep their wits about themselves as testing starts in February. From March onwards, it’s a season-long slog once again till they rest and restarts in November again. You’d be well within your rights to assume that these gladiator-like beasts always follow the path of strict discipline. And many, in fact, do! Be that as it may, defending champion Max Verstappen prefers to follow a completely different philosophy.

During the off-season, it isn’t uncommon for the drivers to take a short break, recharge their batteries, and then it’s full send time. For the 2x champion Max Verstappen, that had always been the case. However, after last year’s dominantly triumphant display, the Dutch lion probably thought he deserved a bit more of the ‘fun’.

Verstappen gave a testing roundup to Motorsport-Total.com in the aftermath of the three-day Bahraini test. But he also divulged a few of his off-season secrets. Safe to say Verstappen loves his food! “Of course I gained a bit of weight over the winter, but then I like to train it off. A lot of people say that I look fit, including my face. But in terms of weight, it’s the same.” [translated via Google Translate]

But this wasn’t just about a cheat day or two. When asked how much he had let go of himself, he said, “More than last year. But I also like to train away from it again, to really hurt myself.”

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The 25-year-old really did let himself go this year. But he was snapped back to reality when strapped into the RB19 for some proper running.

Tough Day 1 of testing for Max Verstappen rescued by the RB19

After almost two months of not being in an F1 car, the return can be very physically demanding. But by being a racing driver, Verstappen allocates his priorities elsewhere. Even though his very first serious running with the RB19 was a task, he found solace in knowing just how good his car was.

In the same interview, he revealed, “You always feel it in your shoulders from the seat belts when you’ve been driving all day. But of course it helps if you have a good balance in the car. It makes a difference than struggling with balance all day. In that regard, it felt good, yes.”

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Seems like lessons weren’t learned from the minor catering overspend that cost the Bulls $7 million last year. That being said, is Max Verstappen the clear favorite to lead Red Bull to a third consecutive championship?