Max: "Red Bull has the means and motivation"

Published on 01 April 2017 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen leads a fast-paced life, on and off the track. After returning from the opening round of the Formula 1 World Championship in Australia on Tuesday, the Dutchman flew to England to spend time in the Red Bull Racing simulator in Milton Keynes on Thursday. On Friday, the youngster was back in the Netherlands for the Jumbo Racing Days (20-21 May at Circuit Zandvoort) press conference before heading to Austria on Saturday for a PR event. Sunday will finally provide a day off for the 19-year-old, before heading to China for the next Grand Prix.

At the Jumbo Racing Days press conference, Max looked back on the first race of the season as well as sharing his expectations for the rest of the season. 

During the Australian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton was stuck behind Max after the Mercedes driver’s first stop. Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner suggested Sebastian Vettel should buy Max a beer as holding up Hamilton secured the German’s win. “I haven’t got that beer but it’s not necessary anyway. I always race for myself. It worked out well for Vettel but it didn’t do much for my race.”

Ahead of the season, many experts predicted overtaking would be harder with the new aerodynamic regulations. “It was definitely worse, but we’ll have to wait until China, with its long straight. Bu across the whole season I think overtaking will be more difficult but it’s too early to say how much more difficult.”

Taking about China, Max explains the strategy ahead of the next race: “We’ll try to be as efficient as possible to maintain as much top speed as we can on the long straight. Last year Red Bull Racing scored a podium.”

Based on testing and the first race, Ferrari and Mercedes have the edge over Red Bull. How will the latter get back to the front? “We have to improve the car overall. The team is working really hard to put now parts on the car. We have to make sure we have a better balance as well getting more power out of the power unit. Red Bull Racing has the means and the motivation to develop quickly and provide updates continuously so I’m at the right team. You have to stay confident and that’s what I am.”

A big power unit upgrade is scheduled for Canada, but what updates are Red Bull bringing on the chassis front? “I can’t go into the details but we’re trying to improve in every area. At the moment the team is busy to gain downforce which you will be able to see by looking at our wings.”