Verstappen Info Page catches up with Max
Published on 12 December 2014 by Stefan Meens
After a successful debut year in single seater racing, Max Verstappen is now part of Scuderia Toro Rosso as one of the team’s drivers on the 2015 grid. Time to catch up with Max to discuss what has been an eventful and exciting year.
After several test session and Friday free practice outings, does Max feel he is a Formula 1 driver? “On test days like in Abu Dhabi or Imola, it definitely feels that way, as we are busy preparing and developing next year’s car. It’s great to know it’s actually going to be my car, which is a great feeling.”
With Formula 1 being the pinnacle of motorsport, the 17-year-old has a lot less free time away from the track and simulator. “That’s part of this career and I made the decision consciously”, Max explains. “So far, I’m still able to manage my time properly but it remains important to take it easy on the days that I’m actually back home. Despite my busy schedule, I’ll hopefully find some time to go karting, just for fun!”
With Max becoming the youngest Formula 1 driver in the history of the sport, he has encountered a lot of media and fan attention. “I don’t mind giving autographs to fans. If someone makes the effort to ask for one, I’ll make time for it”, explains Max, who is keen to stay with both feed on the ground. “I just want to stay the same guy whom I’ve always been. Hopefully, that doesn’t change.”
In regards to the media frenzy, the Dutchman remains calm and collective. “I just keep focussed on the task at hand. Every time I get in the car, I just want to do a good job for the team because that’s what expected in F1. I need to pay back the team’s trust and show them I’m worthy of having a seat on the grid.”
On the driving front, Max has had the opportunity to drive the 2012 Toro Rosso, the STR7 and this year’s racer, the STR9. So which of the two does he prefer? “In terms of sound, it’s the STR7. You have to protect your ears when that screaming V8 is fired up and you won’t be able to understand each other. In contrast, if the 2014 cars hit the track, you can still have a chat in the paddock, which has some advantages”, smiles the F1 rookie. “In terms of driving, I like both cars. Driven on the limit, I would say the STR9 is more challenging, due to more power and less downforce.”
So far, Max has completed three Friday free practice sessions during the Japanese, American and Brazilian Grand Prix. All outings proved a valuable experience. “I’ve learned a lot about the tyres and how the manage them and in general I’ve been able to get used to the car. Having said that, Friday practice is not the same as qualifying so it’s difficult to know if other drivers are pushing on Friday”, says Max. “Every session I used the harder compound as well as driving with a heavier fuel load. On top of that, the track isn’t as rubbed in on a Friday so it’s less quick.”
Nevertheless, Max progressively improved throughout the three weekends with P12 (Suzuka), P10 (Austin) and P6 (Interlagos). “Yeah, I’m happy with my FP1 outings and I have a good feeling in the car but there’s always room for improvement. In general, I think my feedback regarding the car is good but we won’t discover until Melbourne how quick everyone really is.”
A couple of days after 2014’s final Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, Max participated both days in the collective F1 test on the Yas Marina circuit. “We didn’t look at lap times but focused on long runs. Whereas other drivers only drove one day and thus wanted to show their speed, I didn’t need to do that. For me, it was all about what the team wanted done so we spend some time refining the ways we communicate. We also tried next year’s tyres. All in all, a good test in which I learned what the team expects from me and the other way round.”
During most of Max’ career, he has had his father and mentor Jos by his side. “He gives me good advice and monitors how I’m doing. For example, he’s driven on a lot of the F1 tracks so he can give me some tips regarding certain corners. So it’s great having him there because he provides valuable feedback.”
Looking ahead, Max is set for a busy couple of months. “Recently, I’ve been assigned a personal trainer. He’ll probably live fairly close to me so I’ll spend a lot of time in the gym to prepare my body for F1. He’ll also monitor my nutrition and diet, making sure I’m consuming the right nutrients, but overall my weight is at the right level.”
Apart from training, the Red Bull Junior will spend a significant amount of time in Milton Keynes, in Red Bull’s simulator to prepare for his first Formula 1 race, the Austrian Grand Prix in March 2015. “I’m not nervous, I’m just really looking forward to my first Grand Prix. Hopefully it’s the start of successful career in which I can become world champion”, concludes a motivated Max.
