Max and Vergne see benefits in teaming up
Published on 31 October 2014 by Stefan Meens
After Daniil Kvyat promotion to Red Bull Racing, Scuderia Toro is yet to announce a replacement who will drive for the Italian outfit alongside Max Verstappen. In contention are current STR driver Jean-Eric Vergne, Formula Renault 3.5 champion Carlos Sainz Junior, GP3 points leader Alex Lynn, and Vergne's fellow Frenchman Pierre Gasly, who finished runner-up to Sainz as an FR3.5 rookie this year.
Asked who he would prefer, Max answered Autosport.com at the Circuit of the Americas, Austin: “I think for the team it's better to have an experienced driver. So I think in the end it would be better if Jean-Eric would stay. It's also better for me because he has a lot of experience so he can help me to improve myself as well”, explains the 17-year old Dutchman. "He is relaxed and he is a good guy. He's friendly to me and I appreciate that a lot so hopefully we can work together next year."
Regardless of Scuderia Toro Rosso’s decision, Verstappen junior hopes Vergne can remain in F1. "I think he has great talent otherwise he would not even have been in F1. So yes, he deserves it", he said.
Earlier Autosport acquired the Frenchman’s opinion about the vacant seat at STR: "There are a lot of benefits to keeping me. Red Bull see Max as a great talent and I think he can learn from me like Dani did this year."
The 24-year-old went on to say: "We've built up Toro Rosso together. When I arrived they had a brand new team with a new technical director, a lot of new people, and the plan was in a few years to be really one of the top midfield teams. We're getting there, and I think it will be really important for all of us that we keep going.”
Reflecting on the year so far, Vergne explains some of the challenges he faced: "This year we lost so many points with the retirements I had. If next year I don't have the retirements and get a better car, we will be in a really strong position. I think we can be a really strong team next year if we keep going together."
