Max Verstappen, the F1 correspondent in Las Vegas, is on the verge of achieving a remarkable feat. In an exclusive interview with BBC Sport, he reveals his approach to winning and handling the challenges throughout the championship.

Uncover Verstappen's Formula 1 Journey and Championship Quest

Approach to Winning

Verstappen believes that on track, to be a champion, one needs to be on the limit. This single sentence sums up his entire approach. He is set to seal the fourth championship under the lights late on Saturday night in Las Vegas. If he finishes ahead of Lando Norris or doesn't lose more than two points to the McLaren driver, he will achieve this milestone.Throughout the championship, Verstappen and Red Bull's fortunes have swung widely. Even before the season started, they were embroiled in drama with a female employee making sexual harassment allegations against team principal Christian Horner. Two internal investigations have cleared Horner, but the situation has affected the team. Senior figures like design legend Adrian Newey have also left.On track, Verstappen started the year in a dominant fashion but faced challenges as McLaren emerged as the faster car from the summer onwards. Norris was eating away at Verstappen's advantage until he grabbed it back with a stunning victory from 17th on the grid in a sodden Brazil.

Criticism of Racing Tactics

Verstappen is in expansive and illuminating form during the conversation. He is especially enlightening on the topic that dominated two key races in Austin and Mexico. Norris was penalized in their battle for the lead in Texas, and many drivers felt Verstappen's defensive tactics were beyond the pale.This led to a talk between the drivers and the FIA, resulting in a rule change that seemed directed at Verstappen. He complies with the rule but admits he doesn't like it and wouldn't give someone room on the outside. He believes in his racing instinct and that when he races with someone, they won't be able to overtake him around the outside.So, how is someone expected to overtake him? Verstappen says it depends on the track layout. Expansive asphalt run-off areas lead to this sort of racing as there is no penalty for going off track.

Dispute between His Father and Horner

The off-track situation at Red Bull had the potential to be more damaging. Verstappen found himself in the middle of a dispute between his father Jos and Horner. Jos Verstappen felt the team would fall apart if Horner stayed. But Verstappen has managed to handle this with equanimity.He emphasizes the importance of having a good relationship with both Christian and his dad. His dad has his questions, but Verstappen is focused on the performance of the car. He believes that people don't need to be best friends but can have a normal working relationship.

What was behind Red Bull's Dip?

When asked about the departures of key people and Red Bull's decline in competitiveness, Verstappen says he would have preferred them to stay. He doesn't believe Newey's departure was a factor as the car was already designed and updates planned.Red Bull's dip in competitiveness was unexpected as some teams didn't make the step forward as they should have. McLaren closed in despite Red Bull upgrading their car. Verstappen had to risk more and get more out of the car himself. At one point, they realized that some of the things they were putting on the car might make it quicker but difficult to drive.

Relaxed about the Future

With a fourth title almost won and 62 wins already in the bag, Verstappen could potentially break all F1 records. But he is very relaxed about his future. He is open-minded about where he might drive in F1 in the coming years and how long he will stay.Records are not something he is dreaming about. He just wants to have a good time and do his best when he jumps in the car. He doesn't have the same target as when he started in F1. He has achieved a lot and now wants to enjoy life.The interview with Max Verstappen will be broadcast on Radio 5 Live from 21:00 GMT on Friday.