Max: "If we score a couple of points, we've done a great job"
Published on 20 August 2015 by Stefan Meens
After chatting to the international media, Max Verstappen caught up with us to look back on his summer holidays as well as previewing the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix.
Spa-Francorchamps counts as the Dutchman's home race and the media attention that surrounds him in the paddock proves it. “Everyone wants to chat to me, mainly about my fourth place in Hungary, my holidays and how the starts will go from Spa onwards”, says Max, referring to the new starting regulations.
Not only is Spa a special place because of the many Dutch and Belgian fans, the circuit itself is cherished by the 17-year-old. “The dip and sudden rise going through Eau Rouge with so much speed really leaves an impression. After that, it's all about finding a good rhythm and flow to put together a quick lap.”
Eau Rouge is regarded as one of the, if not the, most special corners on the F1 calendar. “If you go Eau Rouge, you can see much, buy you can take it flat out. On entry at the bottom, you really feel the extra grip in the car, but the more you go up, the less grip you have. It's a special feeling.”
Despite Spa being Max' favourite track, he remains realistic. “I don’t really have a home advantage here; out of all the drivers on the grid, im the least experienced around here”, says Max who remembers his three wins in a row at the Belgian track in Formula 3 last year. “It's a nice result and gives you confidence going into this weekend.”
Part of Max' preparation was to drive at a virtual Spa. “If I find the time, I'll spend a couple of hours per day on my home simulator. I can also analyse my data from it, like in F1. The real Formula 1 simulator in Milton Keynes is obviously more helpful, but my set-up at home is good too.”
A year ago, during the same Grand Prix weekend, Max was announced as one of Scuderia Toro Rosso's 2015 drivers, before he had even driven an F1 car. Half a season in, Max has considerably more experience. “When I was confirmed as an Formula 1 driver, I had no idea what to expect. But I remained calm throughout it all and I'm learning everyday in such a big team.”
Looking ahead to the race weekend, Max is eager to get the set up right. “The main thing is to find the right rhythm and balance. After that, we'll have a look what to do with the wing set up with all those main straights. It's going to be difficult to score points here at Spa. If we manage to score a couple, we've done a great job.
On Twitter and Facebook we'll keep you updated throughout the weekend followed by a full report on Verstappen.nl at the end of the day’s action.
You can find the schedule for the Belgian Grand Prix here.
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