Max and Checo look back at the 2023 season

Nicola Hume is joined by Max Verstappen and Checo Perez for an end of season chat. They share their highlights of 2023, talk about the celebrations after the Las Vegas Grand Prix and also what they plan to do in the winter break before testing gets underway in 2024.

Then they answer questions from Talking Bull listeners on a range of topics from whether a driver can tell exactly how long a pit stop is in the car, their favourite christmas traditions and who would win in a go-karting race between all the team principles.

**Race Recap and Season Highlights:**

* The 2023 Formula One season concluded with Max Verstappen securing his third world championship title and Red Bull Racing claiming both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships.
* Verstappen's victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marked the team's 17th win of the season, further solidifying their dominance.
* Sergio "Checo" Perez achieved his best-ever finish in the Drivers' Championship, securing second place and contributing to Red Bull's 1-2 finish.
* The RB19 proved to be a formidable car throughout the season, with Verstappen and Perez acknowledging its exceptional performance.

**Reflections on the Season:**

* Verstappen expressed his gratitude for the team's efforts and recognized the challenges they faced during the season, particularly in the latter half.
* Perez highlighted the team's strong start to the season and the subsequent challenges posed by their competitors' development.
* Both drivers acknowledged the contribution of Oracle's data and strategy analysis in their success.

**Looking Ahead to 2024:**

* Verstappen and Perez remained tight-lipped about their expectations for the upcoming season, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the performance of their competitors.
* They identified McLaren as a potential threat, given their impressive progress in the latter half of the 2023 season.
* Verstappen stressed the importance of consistency and maintaining focus on individual performances to achieve championship success.

**Off-Season Plans:**

* Verstappen and Perez expressed their eagerness for a break from the intense racing schedule.
* Both drivers plan to spend time with family and friends, travel, and engage in recreational activities during the off-season.

**Insights into Personal Lives and Preferences:**

* Verstappen revealed his fondness for Japanese cuisine, particularly a dish called "Japanese kebab."
* Perez expressed his love for Mexican food, specifically mentioning "un lunche," a traditional bread with meat dish.
* Both drivers shared their favorite Christmas movies, with Verstappen mentioning "Home Alone" and Perez opting for "Pequeño Angelito," the Spanish translation of "Home Alone."

**Gratitude and Farewell:**

* The podcast concluded with expressions of gratitude from the hosts and drivers for the successful season and the support of the listeners.
* Verstappen and Perez wished each other good luck for the upcoming season and looked forward to seeing each other on the track in 2024.