Verstappen says he is not focused on connecting with fans like Senna

Max Verstappen has said his priority is winning rather than building a personal connection with fans, contrasting himself with Ayrton Senna, whose charisma drew strong support in Brazil and beyond. Verstappen spoke ahead of the race at Interlagos, Senna's home circuit in Sao Paulo.

Verstappen said Senna was from Sao Paulo, which he believed explained the larger support there, and that personalities differ. "Some people really want to connect, or it just naturally happens. Some people don't really care to connect. I'm going to be honest with you, I also don't really care because I like to win," he said.

He also acknowledged that Senna's death in 1994, while leading the San Marino Grand Prix, helped cement his legacy, calling him one of the best drivers ever and saying Brazil has had many great drivers.