‘Max’ overtakes are my most memorable moments of the season’
Published on 23 October 2014 by Stefan Meens
In his debut season in motor sport, Max Verstappen impressed many - with ten victories and third place in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship - not least his Van Amersfoort Racing race engineer Rik Vernooij. The Verstappen Info Page chats to Vernooij to reflect on the season.
“It was difficult to set a level of expectation at the start of season because Max had never even tested with us before he signed. But we knew there was potential”, begins Rik. “So in the end to finish third in the championship with the most wins is a fantastic result. Having said that, we were a little disappointed he didn’t finish in second, because he would’ve deserved that runner-up spot.”
The Van Amersfoort man continues: “Then again, can you really aim to end in the top three in F3 in your first year in single seater racing? That’s a huge ambition and we’ve always been careful not to get too carried away. However, after a few tests and a couple of races, the ambition turns more and more into reality. Especially the way Max showed his speed and won ten races.”
Three of those wins were claimed at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit. “The hattrick at Spa was very special. Not just for Max but for the entire team it was a great day because Gustavo Menezes finished on the podium twice”, explains Vernooij. “But straight after Spa, Max scored another hattrick which was pretty special too. But for me, Max’ overtakes are my most memorable moments of the season.”
During the final Euro F3 round at Hockenheim, Max worked his way up from P9 to P5 during the second race. At first, the result could be conceived as disappointing, especially after the Dutchman drove from twelfth to third at the Nürburgring and from P11 to P2 at Imola. “We were a bit disappointed with Max’ result at Hockenheim but if you look at it objectively, he still drove an amazing race. But is seems there is a new benchmark in F3 in regards to what is considered good. The fact that Max worked his way up the order at Imola, Nürburgring and Hockenheim shows that you can overtake in an F3 car, even though many people say you can’t.”
Apart from the numerous successes, there were some tough and challenging moments throughout the season, especially when mechanical issues that are not attributable to the team or driver - such as an engine failure - arose. “The relationship between Van Amersfoort Racing and the Verstappens has definitely been tested but the fact we finished the season and worked well together till the end, says it all. There were some moments when the pressure was high but we never lost faith in each other and the relationship remains strong.”
As the race engineer, Rik Vernooij plays a crucial role in translating Max’ feedback into the car’s actual set-up. After a year of intense collaboration, the Dutchman has an insight into the Red Bull Junior’s way of working. “I’m very impressed with Max’ talent and it’s great to work with him because he always stays calm. In general, he doesn’t show a lot of emotions. If things aren’t going his way, he knows the only way to improve is to start working hard right away.”
The upcoming Macau Grand Prix in November will be the last time Rik will work together with Max. After the race on the challenging street course, the 17-year-old will work with his Scuderia Toro Rosso race enginer Xevi Pujolar. “It’s crucial Max and Xevi find a good way to work together. In F1 it’s probably more different to establish that connection but Max is easy going and always open and honest”, concludes Vernooij.
