Max hoping to score four Suzuka podiums in a row: 'That's our goal'

Published on 10 October 2019 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen was one of the drivers invited to the FIA press conference in the build-up to this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix. The race is held at the iconic Suzuka circuit. “It’s a beautiful combination of corners, especially in qualifying running low fuel. It’s even better if you have a good balance in the car and I’m counting on that. It’s always great to be here because Suzuka is one of my favourite tracks.

In both 2016 and 2017, Max managed to secure two impressive second places. In last year’s race, the Red Bull Racer clinched to final spot on the podium. “This year the podium is again the goal. We’ll have to wait what the weather will do, but we’ll give it our best.”

The weather predictions are clear: hurricane Hagibis is heading for Japan bringing with it a lot of rain and heavy winds. The bad weather could result in sessions being shifted or cancelled. “I’ve brought my speed boat, so I’m ready for Saturday”, Max jokes. “It’ll be pretty clear if we can or cannot drive. At the moment it’s not looking good for Saturday but for Sunday it looks fine.”

If qualifying were to be postponed to Sunday, how would it affect the Dutchman’s routine? “It means I’ll have some more free time on Saturday and I have to get up a bit earlier on Sunday”, is Max’ witty response. “It happened before in Austin 2015. It is the way it is. I don’t mind.”

Japanese GP contest: win a 1:43 scale model: Max' first Japanese podium in 2016!