Beyond the Checkered Flag: How Verstappen’s Win Embodies Rokt’s Values
Earlier this month, on a rain-soaked track in São Paulo, Max Verstappen delivered a performance for the ages, reminding us all of the power of resilience and determination. As proud partners of Verstappen’s team, Oracle Red Bull Racing, we at Rokt found ourselves not just witnesses to history, but part of it – our logo adorning the car that would etch its way into F1 lore.
Resilience and Perseverance: A Shared Journey
Verstappen’s path to victory in Brazil was far from smooth. For months, success had eluded him, with his last win coming in Spain back in June. The frustration was palpable – from heated exchanges with his race engineer to aggressive maneuvers on the track. Verstappen began the Sao Paulo Grand Prix all the way from 17th place, due to a penalty and challenging qualifying season, and to top it off he faced treacherous conditions and a saturated raceway.
Yet, it was precisely this adversity that set the stage for an epic comeback win.
Just as no one thought a 17th place comeback was possible until Max Verstappen achieved it, no one believed relevancy in ecommerce was a solvable problem until Rokt dared to create a solution.
At Rokt, we understand the challenges of navigating a fast-paced, ever-changing landscape. When Bruce Buchanan, our CEO and founder, created Rokt, it was because there was nothing else like it in the world. He set out to solve a problem, relevancy in ecommerce, that no businesses had dared to before.
Bruce Buchanan shared this sentiment in his ‘Off the track’ interview with Horner, saying, “One of the biggest things for me is if someone says ‘oh this is gonna be an impossible problem to solve’. That is like someone raising a red flag in front of a bull and is like go for it! That’s me.”
Some might say coming back from 17th place in the rain to achieve a win was impossible, just as solving customer relevancy across all of ecommerce seemed unattainable. But at Rokt, we thrive on these challenges, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in our industry, much like Verstappen does on the track.
Cultivating a Culture of Tenacity
In his comeback rainy victory, Max showcased not just skill, but an unwavering belief in his abilities. This mindset mirrors what we strive to instill in every Rokt’star– the conviction that setbacks are not roadblocks, but opportunities for growth. Our mantra at work is ‘we either win or we learn’, embracing challenges as a key part of our process.
As our CEO, Bruce Buchanan, aptly puts it to the Australian Financial Review, “I think the grit and tenacity and the ability to see every setback as a learning opportunity is the key.” This mindset mirrors Verstappen’s approach on the track and our own in the business world.
Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal & CEO Christian Horner told Wall Street Journal after the incredible comeback win from 17th place, “To win from that far back was beyond our wildest dreams.” Rather than let the set back define the race, Max turned it into something spectacular. We encourage our team to view challenges as Verstappen did – not as insurmountable obstacles, but as chances to innovate and excel.
Looking Ahead: The 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix
As we approach the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend, the lessons from Brazil resonate strongly. For Verstappen, it’s a chance to further cement his legacy in the sport. For Rokt, it’s an opportunity to showcase our brand on one of the most glamorous stages in motorsport, while embodying the values of resilience and innovation that define both our company and our partnership with Oracle Red Bull Racing.
We’re proud to be associated with such an inspiring display of human potential. As we continue our own journey of innovation and growth, we carry with us the spirit of that rain-soaked drive in Brazil – always pushing forward, always rising to the challenge, and always ready to turn setbacks into success.
While you watch the action in Vegas this weekend, keep an eye out for the Rokt logo on the Oracle Red Bull Racing car. It’s more than just a brand name – it’s a symbol of the resilience, innovation, and unwavering determination that drives both Verstappen on the track and Rokt in the world of e-commerce technology.