Max Verstappen looks back at Singapore: 'Team had a super strategy'
Published on 17 September 2018 by Mike Motilall
After a long trip from Singapore, Max Verstappen is back home in Monaco today. During a Skype-chat session for Ziggo Sport’s Peptalk, which was held this evening, Max looks back at his successful weekend in Singapore where he finished second fastest.
Asked whether he can look back at a fruitful weekend, the Dutchman answers: “Yes, absolutely. The entire weekend went well. The car performed well and I was in good spirits at the track, so that worked out pretty fine.”
During qualifying and the race Max did have some issues to deal with regarding his engine: “It was difficult given the problems with the engine”, Verstappen explains. “We needed to make sure that we kept our chin up and we did that well. You also need to make sure that you always make the best of things. I wasn’t worried that the engine would break down, because we knew where the problems were and you need to deal with them as best as possible.”
Max looks back at the start where he lost his second spot to Sebastian Vettel: “The start wasn’t optimal because the engine revs were not ideal. So I didn’t have a clean getaway. After that I did brake very late to keep my second place. I thought I had it in the pocket, but then it was all down to engine power and I lost my spot.”
Due to an excellent strategy, Max was able to retake his second place from the German after his pit stop. But things got a bit exciting when he drove off after his stop, Verstappen explains: “I head butted the steering wheel when I drove off, because the car was stalling. With the impact, I hit the gear paddle and the car went into second gear. Then I had to put it back into first gear, but the car wasn’t performing well in first gear. The car then kept rocking till it hit 60 km/ph. After that all was fine. The team had a super strategy and it worked perfectly to retake second place.”
After the race, it was more than clear that the drivers were beat: “It was super hot”, Max explains. “When in the Netherlands it has been 35 degrees and you then get in the car, that is about the same feeling. After the race you do drink a lot, but at a certain point you have been drinking so much there is no more room left, so then you don’t feel like drinking anymore.”
At the next race in Russia, Max will be celebrating his 21st birthday. Asked whether the new Spec-B engine would be a nice birthday present, the youngster wittingly replies: “I would rather have 80 horsepower extra. I think that I will be starting at the back of the field. I haven’t heard anything yet, but that would normally be the case.”
With six races left, the season is coming to an end and many teams are shifting their attention to the next season. Apart from developing next year’s car, Red Bull Racing is also still putting in some work in the RB14. “We have enough staff to keep developing this year and to be able to focus on next year as well. That is both work in progress”, is what Verstappen has to say. He has good hopes for next year: “They pass on certain numbers regarding what they are busy with and things are looking positive.”
