Max predicts closer and tougher racing in Shanghai

Published on 09 April 2015 by Niels Hendrix

Two weeks ago in Malaysia, everyone was keen to stay indoors to enjoy the air-conditioning because of the extreme heat and humidity. Today in China, Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen carried out his media duties inside the Scuderia Toro Rosso hospitality area at the Shanghai International Circuit, because it was so cold, with temperatures only just hitting double figures.

Max arrived in Shanghai on Monday and therefore even had time to fit in some sightseeing before starting work. "I had a nice time on Tuesday and went up that huge Oriental Pearl Tower to get a good view of the city. It's very impressive", said the Dutchman. "There are so many people here in this city! I am looking forward to this weekend. Physically, it should be easier than Malaysia, even if I can say I didn't have any problems there. I've never raced here and so yesterday's track walk with my engineers was my first look at the "real" track having only driven it before on the simulator. This facility is very impressive and massive and I like the track layout, which looks very technical, so I'm looking forward to free practice tomorrow."

Max feels engine supplier Renault is making progress. "I think the track should suit our car, as the STR10 is very good at looking after its tyres, which was a strong point for us in the extreme heat in Sepang", he said. "But that won't be the case in the much cooler conditions here, as it will be closer and tougher. In Malaysia, the driveability of the engine was a hundred times better than in Australia. To make such a big step forward in just one race is really impressive. Renault has more improvements for here, so I'm looking forward to seeing what they can do for us."