Max on Gasly: 'A great guy and very quick'
Published on 23 August 2018 by Niels Hendrix
Formula 1 is back after a summer break. At the Spa-Francorchamps paddock, the main topic of conversation is the series ‘silly season’ with plenty of drivers having announced their plans for next year. Max Verstappen is happy at Aston Martin Red Bull Racing and renewed his contract last year. More surprisingly is who will sit in the other RBR car next year; Scuderia Toro Rosso’s Pierre Gasly. The Frenchman takes over from Daniel Ricciardo after the Australian announced a move to Renault.
Like most, Max was surprised by Ricciardo’s decision: “I think everyone was caught out by it but he’s the one who needs to feel good about it all. Every driver has moments of frustration in his career. Here at Red Bull Racing we all want to win races and championships but sometimes you’re not in the position to do so. However, you have to be patient and work hard.”
Max is confident the team has what it takes to mix it at the very front: “The whole package needs to be right and we are working hard to achieve that. I’m convinced we can make a car that can win every race. That’s why I was surprised by Daniel’s move. If you want to work in a different environment, I’m not sure if he chose the best option.”
Next year, Red Bull Junior Pierre Gasly will partner Max. “Pierre is a great guy and I’ve known him since the karting days. At the start of year, he stayed over for a weekend in Monaco. We played FIFA in the evenings so we get on well. Also, he’s very quick, which is good for the team.”
In 2019, Max will be the most experienced driver within the RBR line-up. However, that does not make him automatically the team leader: “Within Red Bull Racing the drivers always receive equal treatment so I don’t see that change anytime soon. I don’t feel like a leader. I’ll just keep trying to do the best possible job for me and the team. Of course, I’ll have more experience than Pierre so I’ll try to make the most of that advantage.”
With Formula 1 always searching for new destinations and circuits to visit, Max was asked which track he would welcome to the calendar. “Macau. They’d have to make the circuit wider, which would be difficult, but it would be awesome.”
Being Dutch, Max would not mind a Grand Prix in front of his home fans either. “Ideally I would want a permanent race track. I don't really care which one.”
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