Column: Jos Verstappen - Max will use old engine
Published on 00 0000 by Stefan Meens
Jos Verstappen is still the Netherlands most successful Formula 1 driver. This season he shares his opinions regarding the sport via a column in Dutch daily newspaper De Telegraaf. Below the latest edition.
“To get straight to the point, Max won't use Renault's new engine in the American Grand Prix. This week, Renault announced it has an upgraded version of its V6 powertrain ready, but Max' team decided not to make use of it in Austin.
Looking at next year, we're still waiting. It's still not decided if Red Bull continues and, if so, which power unit Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso will have at their disposal. It's all wide open. There are even conversations with Renault. Their message is perhaps a bit late but clear. But I'm still not sure what to think of it all.
Regardless, Max is fully focused on Sunday's race after spending a quiet week in the Netherlands. His TV gig in Humberto Tan's talk show was a nice change of pace. Max has had good feedback and that's always great to hear.
The next fortnight, we'll be in Texas and Mexico. Despite the temperatures nearing 30 degrees, we're expecting a wet Grand Prix. On Saturday, heavy storms are predicted. I think it will provide Max with a better opportunity than Sochi, but it does mean that you have to be extra careful. With rain, it's about your gut feeling. You have to be brave to brake later but not too late so the wheels lock up. I always loved figuring out the car in those conditions.
Another factor here in Austin is the elevation change which means the risk of aquaplaning can be different on every lap. You have to make sure you really feel the car across the whole lap. I just hope the race won't be canceled due to the extreme weather conditions predicted. Regardless, it's going to be an interesting couple of days in which Max really has to plan his tyre strategy carefully as he will only have three sets of full wet Pirellis.
Apart from that, we'll see if Lewis Hamilton is able to clinch the world title on Sunday. Because of Rosberg's DNF, things could go Hamilton's way very quickly. But with nine wins this year, it's very clear who is the strongest of the two. That the championship might be decided three race before the end of the season could limit the interest in the Mexico, Sao Paolo and Abu Dhabi races, but there's still plenty to achieve for Max. We started the year with the aim to score as many points as possible and that goal hasn’t changed.”
Jos Verstappen
Source: De Telegraaf/Telesport
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