Max from Simulator Competition: “We need to score points in Singapore”

Published on 13 September 2015 by Mike Motilall

During the official opening of a Hornbach store in Geleen, on Saturday, the Verstappen Simulator Competition semifinals also took place. Under the watchful eye of the world’s youngest F1-driver, 26 competitors battled it out on the virtual Spa-Francorchamps circuit, for a place in the finals. This round was won by Patrick de Wit from Woerden. This was also an excellent opportunity for Verstappen.nl to catch up with Max Verstappen.

We get to speak to the youngster during the autograph session in the merchandise truck, where a long queue has been slowly forming. Max patiently takes his time to provide everyone with an autograph. The people came out in droves today. Does that still surprise you? “No, it doesn’t, this is Limburg and the crowd is always huge from there.”

You have watched a simulator competition here today. On autosport.com, you, some time ago, said that you benefit a lot from simulator races and that you also practice your overtaking with it. Lewis Hamilton, in the same item, when asked, commented that he never relies on simulators and always makes his moves spontaneously. “Well, I also make my moves spontaneously and I so happen to like simracing. It’s not because I’m simming, that a move will be good or even better. With the experience gained in the sport, mainly in go-karting, you know how far you can go.” So racing is still much more important in gaining experience as oppose to simracing? “Generally speaking, racing always helps the most, indeed.”

Looking ahead to the rest of the season, we see that there are still seven races left. In Italy you took a beating regarding penalties in order to have an advantage for the coming races. Do you still have enough engines ‘in stock’ to finish this season? “I hope so, but we’ll have to wait and see. It will be tricky, because if you compare it to the season so far, it doesn’t look that we are going to make it, but we’ll have to wait.” Which race has the most expectations for you? Without any hesitation the youngster replies: “Singapore! We need to score points there. On Suzuka it should also be possible, but in Singapore we definitely need to finish in points.”

And then 2016. That’s another year at Toro Rosso. Have you seen anything of the new car yet? Does it have your attention? “Of course! We have seen some footage and it looks good. But it’s always anyone’s guess how the car will perform and the only way to find out, is when you drive it around on a circuit. There is not much more I can say about that.” And you probably don’t want to say much more about it either, do you? With a smile that leaves nothing to doubt: “Nope.” You noted both in Monza as well as in Spa during the race, the fourth fastest race lap. Even though the Renault engine is not known as the most powerful on the grid. “The Toro Rosso is truly a very good car and I think that those race laps prove that.” Regarding the wild rumours of him moving to Ferrari in a short while, Max says: “I have a contract with Red Bull and I have the disposal of a very good car. There is no reason for me to leave them! To progress from Toro Rosso to Red Bull is of course one of my goals.” And your other goals? “Perform well, and become a world champion in the future!”

On November 4th, the finals of the Verstappen Simulator Competition will be held at the opening of yet another Hornbach store, in Best this time. Max Verstappen will be participating in this event.