Max about 2018, Daniel Ricciardo and Monaco: 'Normally always competitive'

Published on 20 May 2018 by Raymond Snip

During the well-attended Jumbo Race Days at Circuit Zandvoort, Max Verstappen talks about the season so far, his teammate Daniel Ricciardo and the upcoming Grand Prix of Monaco, which will be on the schedule next week.During the well-attended Jumbo Race Days at Circuit Zandvoort, Max Verstappen talks about the season so far, his teammate Daniel Ricciardo and the upcoming Grand Prix of Monaco, which will be on the schedule next week.

What are the expectations for Monaco? "In Barcelona we were incredibly fast in the last sector, with its many slow corners", Max explains. "We have those in Monaco as well. There are also fewer straights where Mercedes and Ferrari can benefit. Normally we are always competitive in Monaco. Especially now we have a good car, we have a better chance."

"It also depends on qualifying. It is difficult to get heat in the tires on that track. If we can find a good balance, we have a good chance. Anyway, I look forward to it and can’t wait to see how it goes."

Every year the street circuit in the principality turns out to be very treacherous. Max explains what makes Monaco so difficult: "It is difficult to find the limit there, you have to build it up slowly. With the slightest mistake you end up in the wall, so we try to run as many laps as possible. If you drive on the limit during qualifying and you get back to the pits, you feel that your heart rate is pretty high. "However, the Dutchman does not approach the weekend differently: "Not much different than other times. Of course, I do my thing in the factory beforehand. Preparation is key, but I always approach the weekend in a relaxed manner."

Max Verstappen has been Daniel Ricciardo's teammate for more than two years now. However, it is not yet certain whether the Australian will remain his teammate after this season. Max talks about the smooth relationship between the two and how it came about: "There was a click right away when I joined the team. Daniel is a very relaxed and kind person. You do not see that very often, so it's great that we have that together within the team."

What are the best features of a teammate like Daniel? "He is honest, open and easy to deal with. That is very nice to work with. He does not really have any negative qualities. At least not anything that bothers me."

Finally, Max talks about the season so far and the RB14: "The last race was just right. The earlier races were not the best, but that happens. The car is good. We have made progress in Barcelona. We have to wait and see how it goes going forward, since there has been only one race with the new updates."

On Monday, May 21st, Max, again will be present to give three spectacular demos during the second day of the Jumbo Race Days at Circuit Zandvoort. In addition to the all popular donuts, the audience can also look forward to the Red Bull Caravan Race.